Lord's Taverners: Super 1s impact – Meet Hadley and family

Super 1s is an inclusive programme developed by the Lord’s Taverners to provide youngsters with a disability the chance to play regular competitive cricket.

This article features in our January 2023 magazine. To read the full version, get a copy of the magazine by clicking here

Hadley (13) has cerebral palsy and is a full-time wheelchair user. Here he and his family tell us about his passion for cricket, how he discovered Super 1s, and what a difference it has made to them.

Hadley: I loved it

I’ve loved cricket since I was born. When I came home from the neonatal intensive care unit, where I spent my first two months, the Ashes was in full swing. Mum and Dad say I spent a lot of time crying and awake. Listening to or watching cricket was one of the only things that calmed me  down.

^{Hadley with Mike Gatting and Maia Bouchier}

As I grew up, I continued to love cricket, watching it on TV and live at the Ageas Bowl. I find it exciting, especially as it can take so many twists and turns. I’ve been to Lord’s for an ODI and I’m really looking forward to England v Australia at the Ageas Bowl next year. I play cricket in my garden with Dad, grandads, and friends. Even if the weather isn’t good, we always find time for a few overs.

It was only in my garden that I played until I was 12 as my parents couldn’t find a mainstream club that would adapt sessions enough for me. This frustrated and upset me as I’m competitive and wanted to be part of a team and play competitions like my friends.

In 2022, my parents needed to buy a wheelchair-adapted vehicle (WAV). They organised a cricket tournament to fund this. The development officers at Hampshire CC got in contact and offered to help organise and run the event, and also told us about Super 1s.

^{Hadley has enjoyed his time with Super 1s}

I was so excited. I joined straightaway and loved it! The coaches and the other participants are so friendly, and they have helped me build confidence. I always enjoy the sessions; they are great for exercise and having fun with friends. I feel like I can really express who I am through cricket. I like getting tips from coaches and think I have improved. I’m grateful for them understanding that just because you are disabled, it doesn’t mean you don’t want to play competitive sport.

In addition to regular cricket sessions, Super 1s also holds festivals and inter-hub competitions, and provides youngsters with opportunities to visit grounds for events. I’ve been lucky enough to tour Lord’s and meet Monty Panesar, Nick Compton, Mike Gatting and Maia Bouchier. Mike gave me batting tips and Maia borrowed my bat during a festival as she said it was ‘better than hers!’

Hadley’s parents

The enthusiasm Hadley has for cricket is second to none, so we are exceptionally grateful to have been welcomed into the Super 1s family. Everyone is there to support you. Besides his skills, Hadley’s self-belief has grown. He struggles with anxiety, so this is an incredible achievement for him. He deserves to feel empowered and able to participate fully in things that he loves, and that’s exactly what Super 1s does for him.”  

To find out more, visit the Lord's Taverners website

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