In September 2019 a group of women with a collective love of cricket decided to set up a grassroots cricket club for women of all ethnicities in the Bradford area. With an ever-growing multi-cultural society and very little in the way of grassroots women’s cricket, this club was set up with the hope of bringing women together regardless of religion, ability, or cultural barriers, in order for them to play without any judgment or bias. What started off as a few women knocking a ball around a sports hall, has very quickly become an established club with over 50 members, playing at least twice a week. The club has a variety of members from councillors, doctors, and housewives, all playing together. What has been found is that women who wouldn’t normally ever meet yet alone become friends have done so, through a love of the sport. Now there is no stopping them. The club tailors the training to the need of the women who come along. With a hardball and softball option, the club is in the Yorkshire league division 2 to for those who wish to develop their hardball game, and a softball team, who play other ladies’ softball teams in the wider Yorkshire area, with much success. What has developed is a club with multiple avenues. Something that has also been successful is the All-star and dynamos project that the club runs in conjunction with the ECB. These are for young girls from the age of 5 to come and have fun and learn the game. Then when they reach a certain age, onto the dynamos, and then into the adult game. This was the main aim of the club, to have a pathway for young women and girls to progress, and even one day maybe take up the game professionally, with the full support of the club.
All sessions at BPAL Cricket Club are free, and all are welcome. Apart from the cricket the women now socialize together, do boat races, participate in cardio sessions, and are massive fans of the traditional cricket tea, Albeit it now with a desi twist, pakoras are usually on the menu on a weekly basis. The friendships and bonds that have been made in such a short time, will hopefully last a lifetime. The club was set up to improve the mental and physical well-being of the women who come along, and we believe we have done that. If you have any questions or would like to take part. The club has all female coaches and is on hand to answer any questions you may have. If you would like any information, please contact us on the details below:
Tel: 07949 980947
Email: BPALcricket@gmail.com.
Facebook: Bradford Park Avenue Ladies Cricket
Twitter: @BPALCricket
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