Durham Cricket Foundation has supported the creation of seven new women’s sections so far this season through its free kitbag initiative with Newlands Sports.
The initiative is helping clubs establish women’s softball teams by providing the equipment they need to get started, giving players greater ownership of their programmes from the outset.
The new teams are part of another landmark year for women’s cricket across the North East, with the Foundation continuing to increase opportunities for women to play, compete and become part of their local clubs.
The continued growth has been supported by local sports retailer, Newlands Sports, donating 10 brand new kitbags to Durham Cricket Foundation for a second year, with each bag containing bats, balls and stumps.
More than 500 women’s fixtures have already taken place across the region this season – matching the total players across the whole of last season, with more games still to take place.
The Foundation’s competitions are providing new and existing teams with regular opportunities to play, helping clubs build sustainable sections and giving players a pathway to stay involved in the game.
The starter kits were distributed by Peter and Amanda Kettle, Founders of Newlands Sports, during Foundation’s yearly Women’s Megafest held here at Banks Homes Riverside, to selected clubs that have demonstrated a strong commitment to developing women’s softball cricket and creating accessible opportunities for new players.
Marsha Davies, Head of Female Participation at Durham Cricket Foundation, said: “Women’s softball cricket continues to provide an incredible introduction to the game, creating welcoming environments where women can enjoy being active, meet new people and build confidence through cricket.
“These starter kits will support clubs that are already doing fantastic work in their communities while helping them reach even more women who may be picking up a bat for the very first time. We are incredibly grateful to Newlands Sports for continuing to support this initiative and sharing our commitment to growing the women’s game.”
Amanda Kettle, Co-Founder of Newlands Sports said: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Durham Cricket Foundation and to support the fantastic work they do across our local cricket community. As an independent, family-run business, grassroots cricket is at the heart of Newlands Sports and we are passionate about encouraging more people of all ages and abilities to get involved in the game. We look forward to continuing to work together to make cricket accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.”
The starter kit initiative forms part of Durham Cricket Foundation’s wider commitment to increasing opportunities for women and girls to play cricket across the region. By supporting clubs with high-quality equipment, the Foundation and Newlands Sports hope to make it even easier for women to take their first steps into the game and for clubs to continue building thriving softball cricket communities.
Clubs receiving the starter kits will use the equipment to deliver women’s softball sessions throughout the season, helping more people discover the social, inclusive and enjoyable format of the game.