2025 Annual-report

THE BLAZE REPORT 29 playing six double-headers at Trent Bridge in the Vitality Blast, whilst an additional team,Yorkshire, will join tier one, offering more compe- tition for the existing eight teams. Our players continue to thrive in the Trent Bridge environment, benefitting from the world-class facilities on a weekly basis. This year, our first as a tier one professional women’s county team, has been a year of transition, growth, and ambition. Our progress would not have been possible without the dedication of our coaching team, medical and support staff, analysts, pathway coaches, operations staff, commercial and community teams, grounds staff, and the wider Nottinghamshire CCC family. Craig Cumming, our Head Coach who has not yet completed a full cycle but has already been so impactful since arriving in February, hit the ground running, supported by a stellar coaching unit. A special mention must also go to Cain Hamilton-Boyle, and all the hard work he continues to do in overseeing The Blaze Academy and full Nottinghamshire pathway – Emerging Player Programme, County Age Group and Early Engagement Programme. He stepped into more responsibility over the full player pathway since we earned tier one status. Kirstie Gordon completed her third season leading the side and is now a well-established captain. She battled persistent injury throughout the year but showed exceptional leadership, resilience and commit- ment, whilst her tactical acumen and influence remain central to our identity as a team. Behind the scenes, Matt McDonald- Liggins, our Head of Sports Science and Medicine, has driven the growth of his department, allowing the players to thrive with his and his team’s invaluable input. To our supporters, those who have followed us from the regional era and those who have joined us anew, we remain deeply grateful.Your enthusiasm at Trent Bridge, online, and across the country, lifts this team. And finally, I’d like to give a special mention to Lisa Pursehouse; she has been at the forefront of leading our efforts to become a tier one side, and all players and staff are grateful for all of her input. The Blaze has always stood for pro- gress, opportunity and excellence. In 2025, we made significant strides across all three.We look forward to building on this foundation and shaping an even brighter future. “NEXT YEAR, WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING SIX DOUBLE- HEADERS AT TRENT BRIDGE IN THE VITALITY BLAST. OUR PLAYERS CONTINUE TO THRIVE IN THE TRENT BRIDGE ENVIRONMENT, BENEFITTING FROM THE WORLD- CLASS FACILITIES ON A WEEKLY BASIS.” James Cutt