IMPACT REPORT

10 Continuing the ground-up development of women’s and girls’ cricket in the county has been central to our strategy. Offering a hybrid ball – ‘Incrediball’ – format has been successful in bridging the gap between softball and hardball cricket, a gap which has previously led many girls to step away from playing. The introduction of Girls Development Leagues and Girls Development Days has allowed hundreds of girls to get a taste of cricket for the first time, or further develop their existing skillset, in a safe and encouraging environment. Over 200 girls have taken part in Development Leagues and Development Days, twice as many as last year, across nearly 130 indoor and outdoor fixtures. The development programme has had a hand in nine girls’ sections – and 29 girls’ teams being established in 2024. Women’s cricket is also continuing to expand at older age groups. Another 12 new women’s teams were established this year, taking the county total to 31 softball, 18 Super8s and eight hardball teams. But it is the self-sufficiency and long-term stability of these sections that is of paramount importance, and this is something which we will place particular emphasis on in the years to come. 200+ girls have taken part in Development Leagues and Development Days WOMEN & GIRLS Attract & retain more women and girls in cricket by improving the culture, behaviour & attitudes within the game