SHAW hosts the first of this year’s women’s soft ball festivals organised by the Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
The six-a-side tournament takes place at Holebottom Clough on Sunday, May 6 and it is anticipated more than 40 clubs across the county will stage a festival this summer.
The festivals will run from early May to September and have been created to increase female participation in cricket.
The game uses a soft ball and is designed to be a fun, fast and a social experience for players of all ability and experience.
Julie Durrant, women’s soft ball cricket co-ordinator for the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said: “This year we are seeing the festival programme grow from hosting just 12 festivals in 2017, to more than 40 across Lancashire in 2018.
“The festival programme aims to attract 1,500 more women to get involved in cricket locally, which will see a significant increase in female participation.
“The festivals target women who are new to cricket and encourages them to come along and enjoy a great first experience of the game.
“The games will be six-a-side, using a soft ball with under arm bowling and the rules have been specifically designed to make games fun, fast and easy to pick up.
“We are delighted to be working with so many local cricket clubs throughout the county, who have agreed to host one of our events.
“All events have been planned to ensure women feel supported, relaxed and are able to learn new skills in an inclusive atmosphere.”
Participants will receive a free festival T-shirt on arrival and there will be off-field entertainment running throughout the day, including stalls, food, music and a photo booth.
There is no dress code and all equipment is provided to participants.
The festivals are designed for teams of six players, with a cost of just £25 per team.
The first takes place at Shaw Cricket Club on Sunday, May 6 with a 1pm start.
To book your team or for more information about the full festival programme, please call Julie on 07507 057692 or email jdurrant@lccc.co.uk
The English Cricket Board is launching 1,900 soft ball cricket festivals across the country for women of all abilities to mark the growth of women’s cricket.