Surrey County Cricket Club women’s players Dani Gregory and Jemima Spence visited Long Ditton St Mary’s Junior School recently to support the Surrey Cricket Foundation’s ongoing delivery of free Chance to Shine coaching, both during curriculum time and as part of a dedicated after‑school girls’ cricket club.
The players began their visit with a whole‑school Q&A assembly, where they spoke about their journeys in cricket. Pupils were given the chance to ask questions, sparking lively conversations ranging from training routines to favourite cricketing memories (I can’t remember what the actual questions were!). The assembly provided a rare opportunity for young children to meet professional female cricketers and see first-hand the pathways available to them.
After the assembly, Dani and Jemima joined the girls’ after‑school cricket club, which the Foundation delivers weekly across the half‑term. These sessions form part of a wider strategic collaboration between the Surrey Cricket Foundation (SCF) and Long Ditton Cricket Club, who are working closely with SCF’s Women & Girls Development Officer, Emily Patterson, in a joint effort to introduce a new girls’ team ahead of the 2026 season.
Representatives from Long Ditton CC have attended the after‑school sessions each week, building familiarity and enthusiasm among the pupils with the aim of encouraging girls to take the next step into their local cricket club.
For Surrey all‑rounder Dani Gregory, the visit was particularly meaningful. Dani first discovered cricket through a Chance to Shine event she attended when at primary school – an experience which inspired her and eventually led to a professional career with Surrey. Her involvement offered the Long Ditton pupils a powerful example of where a first cricket experience can lead. Reflecting on the visit, Dani said:
“Chance to Shine is where it all began for me. I was about the same age as these girls when I first picked up a cricket bat at school and I haven’t looked back! To come back into a primary school environment and hopefully spark that same excitement for someone else is really special. The enthusiasm from the girls today was brilliant, and seeing their local club involved makes it even more meaningful.”
Strategic school–club links driving sustainable growth
The sessions at Long Ditton Primary are a prime example of the Foundation’s commitment to building sustainable pathways for girls’ cricket by focusing delivery where local clubs are ready to grow. SCF Women & Girls Development Officer Emily Patterson said:
“We know that meaningful growth happens when schools and clubs work hand‑in‑hand. Long Ditton CC are passionate about launching a new girls’ team, and by delivering Chance to Shine coaching here – supported with a visit from Surrey women’s players – we’re creating visibility, confidence and a really clear next step for the girls. The response from the pupils has been fantastic, and we’re excited to see how many decide to continue their cricket journey at the club.”
A key part of the programme’s success so far has been the work of SCF Coach Isaac Morse, who has led the curriculum and after‑school sessions throughout the half term. Isaac’s consistent presence has helped the girls grow in confidence and enjoyment, while also helping to build a strong link between the school and Long Ditton CC.
The visit from Dani Gregory and Jemima Spence added inspiration and excitement to an already thriving half term of cricketing activity. With the enthusiasm shown by pupils, the commitment of Long Ditton CC, and the ongoing support of SCF, the foundations are firmly in place for a brand new girls’ team to emerge in the community.
