The Surrey Cricket Foundation has recently partnered with Out4Cricket, a leading organisation dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion in cricket, to deliver a successful six-week programme of cricket taster sessions at the iconic Kia Oval. This exciting collaboration aimed to introduce the sport to members of the LGBTQ+ community in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Out4Cricket has been instrumental in championing inclusivity across all levels of cricket in the UK. Recognising a desire within the LGBTQ+ community for more regular cricket opportunities, they approached the Surrey Cricket Foundation to help bring this vision to life.
The response was positive, with around 20 participants signing up for the bi-weekly sessions, held within the Ken Barrington Cricket Centre. Surrey Cricket Foundation coaches tailored the programme, beginning with gentle skill assessments to ease participants into the sport. As confidence grew over the weeks, the sessions progressed to include hardball training and even the use of the bowling machine, all within an inclusive atmosphere.
The unwavering support and encouragement among participants formed a cornerstone of the programme’s success. Irrespective of their starting abilities, individuals supported each other, cultivating a genuinely safe and non-judgmental atmosphere. This inclusive environment proved especially beneficial for those who had previously felt their perceived skill level was a barrier to joining a recreational club.
The success of these taster sessions has instilled a newfound confidence in many participants, and the Foundation is committed to supporting their journey into recreational cricket, with assistance offered to those wishing to find suitable clubs, as well as opportunities to explore coaching or officiating pathways.
Looking ahead, both organisations are keen to build on this success, with plans for future taster sessions already in motion to cater to the ongoing interest.
This collaboration between the Surrey Cricket Foundation and Out4Cricket marks a significant step forward in creating a more welcoming and accessible cricketing community for everyone.
To find out more, contact Harjot Sidhu hsidhu@surreycricket.com
To learn more about Out4Cricket, visit https://out4cricket.org.uk/
