Lucy Tillotson wins National Inspired to Play award

Lucy has made a huge impact on young women and girls with a disability in Hampshire through her cricket coaching and leadership. Lord's Taverners highlight how important it is to have female role models in the game

Hampshire cricket Coach Lucy Tillotson has been recognised on the national stage, as she was named as the winner of ECB’s prestigious National Cricket Collective Inspired to Play award.

This award celebrates an individual or group who has gone above and beyond to raise the game and open it up to new audiences, and Lucy’s dedication to inclusive cricket has made a significant impact across Hampshire, making her an incredibly worthy winner.

Two and a half years ago, she took on the role of managing and coaching an all-female disability group, the ‘Adders’, for Hampshire Cricket Board. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to provide a safe, welcoming and fun environment, growing the group considerably. Under her leadership, the Adders now benefit from regular training sessions, with players travelling from all over the county to take part.

Keen to provide further opportunities, Lucy recently organised fixtures against women’s softball (W10) teams, giving the Adders their first experience of match play – an initiative met with enthusiasm and excitement. Beyond this, she also coaches at the Portchester Super 1s hub, delivering inclusive sessions for players of all abilities.

Her commitment to making cricket accessible doesn’t stop there. Lucy also works in a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school, providing cricket both during and after school hours. Her efforts saw a team from her school reach the final of Hampshire’s SEND competition, highlighting the success of her coaching and mentorship.

Lucy’s passion and determination to ensure that cricket is a sport for all has been truly inspiring. Her hard work continues to break down barriers and introduce new audiences to the game, making her a thoroughly deserving winner of the Inspired to Play award.

Hampshire Disability Development Officer, Michael Powell, said: “This award is thoroughly deserved, Lucy has had such a positive impact on our Adders group and our Super 1s project in Hampshire. The rapport she has built within the group means that these girls have a programme, not only where they feel they belong, but feel they can be a part of it too.

“This is demonstrated by the confidence that those participating continue to develop, and the great camaraderie within the group as well. The connections and relationships which Lucy has built externally adds to the continued strength and success of disability cricket in Hampshire. Lucy’s passion for cricket and the impact it has is clear for all to see, this award is recognition of her drive to open up the sport, showing cricket can truly be a game for everyone.”

Lord's Taverners are on a mission to reach and impact more young women and girls through cricket, providing them with all the life skills they require to fulfil their potential. Their vision is:

Equal representation

Through their Super 1s and Wicketz programmes, the goal is to increase the number of female participants from the current 25% to a more equitable level.

More female coaches and role models

Cricket needs more coaches and role models like Lucy. Our female participants tell us that they are more likely to engage in sessions if we have female coaches leading the sessions they attend. We’ll be working with partners to provide opportunities for female young leaders and coaches to develop and inspire the next generation of cricketers.

Female only hubs in ALL counties

Lord’s Taverners has the long-term aim of creating a female only Wicketz and Super 1s hub in every county. Female programme participants also tell us that having a girls only offering will ensure they are more likely to attend and increase chances of girls engaging with the game initially if there is a female only entry point to the game.

Click here to find out more about the charity’s efforts to engage more young women and girls in cricket through their programmes, and how you can help.

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