West Chiltington & Thakeham CC have a bold plan for women’s cricket

Harriet Thornton bowling for West Chiltington

In a bold five-year plan, presented to the club’s chairman, Stephen Hodgson, in December, the club are adding an extra focus on the women’s and girls’ section.

The plan has two fundamental aims: to grow numbers and to increase the professionalism and expertise of the coaching team.

The club have their sights set on developing the women and girls’ section to enable it to offer more cricket to more female players and ultimately to enter more competitive league groups over the next five years.

The club’s vision is to become a local centre for women’s and girl’s cricket; to be the go-to place for women and girls to learn, participate in and compete in and enjoy cricket.

To strengthen the coaching team, the club have secured the support of two ex-Sussex coaches, Alan Smith (ex-head coach of Sussex Girls) and Tim Van Noort (ECB Level 3 coach), who will support the club in building up the girls’ section from grass roots and also support the ever-growing women’s team.

Hodgson explains why this new initiative for the club is so important.

“As a community-based village club we need to remain focused on providing access to cricket for all who wish to play this wonderful game and I believe a strong and vibrant women’s and girls’ section is not only crucial to this development but is fundamental to the future wellbeing of any cricket club.”

The club are on a drive to bring in new talent (or even give you a chance if you have never played before but want to try it out) so please do get in touch – you will be welcomed.

Indoor sessions are planned to start soon, although this will be in line with ongoing lockdown restrictions.

For more information visit http://www.wctcc.org.uk/womens-cricket or follow the club on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - @wctcc and @westchiltwomen.