This Christmas, Lord's Taverners is embarking on an ambitious campaign to help transform cricket for women and girls across the UK by increasing access to the game through their Wicketz programme
Lord's Taverners aim to raise £13,000 through the Big Give Christmas Challenge to support the extension of girls-only Wicketz hubs in disadvantaged communities across the UK, and to ensure that every young woman and girl feels like 'she belongs’ in cricket.
During the week of December 3–9, we all have the power to double our donations and as a result, double our impact on the lives of young women and girls through cricket.
As someone who is passionate about the sport, we're reaching out because you share our passion for creating positive change through cricket, and we believe you'll want to be part of this transformative initiative.
A STARK REALITY
Two million fewer women and girls play sport compared to men and boys in the UK. In cricket specifically, only 33 per cent of children playing are girls, and this number drops even further in disadvantaged communities. But the impact of this gap extends far beyond the cricket field with research consistently showing that girls who participate in sports are more likely to maintain better physical and mental health throughout their lives.
Through their inclusive cricket programmes, Lord's Taverners is already witnessing remarkable transformations: young women who not only increase their physical activity levels but discover newfound confidence and self-esteem.
Wicketz participants regularly report improved social connections, stronger resilience, and a greater sense of belonging in their communities. Wicketz participant and coach Sara joined the Wicketz programme in 2020 and says as much: “Wicketz gives me opportunities and role models that I would not have had otherwise. I've met lots of people and made friends I wouldn't have made. Having that across the country builds a really nice network of people who like cricket, and we do things together, improve together and hopefully reach our dreams and goals. I'm very grateful to the Wicketz programme for supporting me to develop as an individual.”
WHAT YOU CAN HELP THE LORD'S TAVERNERS ACHIEVE?
Your support of the campaign will help create more safe, supportive environments for girls to play cricket, where they not only play cricket but are empowered to become the best versions of themselves.
Your support is crucial in helping the charity:
• Establish girls-only Wicketz hubs in disadvantaged areas
• Provide equipment and coaching for female participants
• Empower girls through life-skills workshops and adapted cricket sessions
• Train female coaches to inspire the next generation
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Sign up to the campaign and in the coming weeks, you'll hear inspiring stories from Wicketz participants, learn about the charity’s ambitious plans to make the game more accessible for girls through Wicketz in 2025 and discover the various ways you can help us declare that every girl belongs on the cricket field.
Join our community that provides free, inclusive programmes and safe spaces which help empower young women and girls to fulfil their potential – both in and through cricket. Thank you for playing your part in our journey to making cricket truly inclusive.
Join the movement, drive the change. Sign up to our community by clicking here.
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