)}})
Somerset Cricket Foundation: Making a real difference
As part of Disability History Month, we will be publishing a number of articles focusing on Somerset Disabled Cricket Club, Somerset VI Cricket Club and the great work that Somerset Cricket Foundation carry out.
Today we focus on some of the outstanding initiatives that are delivered by the Foundation.
The Somerset Cricket Foundation exists to support, grow and diversify grassroots cricket as well as to use the power of cricket to develop communities and make a positive difference to people’s lives. The trustees of the Somerset Cricket Foundation are all volunteers and they oversee a team twenty members of staff to deliver the strategic aims and objectives of the charity.
Over the past seven years, disability cricket in Somerset has grown into something incredibly special.
Since the successful implementation of the Lords Taverners Super 1s programme, the Foundation has seen their community offer grow from a handful of places where people can play disability cricket to almost 20 venues.
The aims of the Foundation for disability cricket are:
- To provide disabled people with a greater access to participate
- To support the development and growth of the disability pathway
- To grow the disability workforce
Super 1s
Super 1s is Somerset Cricket Foundation’s participation programme for young people aged 12-25. Sessions are run at seven locations across the county and are free to attend. The programme is run by some wonderful coaches and amazing volunteers. Across the programme there are approximately 100 young people actively engaging.
The uniqueness of the Super 1s programme is not only set in the great sessions that are delivered but also in the wider future skills support, whereby young people have the chance to improve confidence by volunteering at Somerset’s Vitality Blast matches, or becoming part of an online cooking club, or taking part in personal development residentials amongst other things.
The results speak for themselves. Here is some of the feedback that the Foundation’s Super 1s programme has received:
We encouraged our daughter to join Super 1s because she was reluctant to do sport but is very sociable and loves being out of the house and meeting new people. This was a great opportunity to encourage physical activity. Our daughter’s physical and intellectual challenges mean that she cannot access mainstream sporting activities. Without clubs like Supers 1s, it would be a real struggle to get her active.
Super 1s has had a hugely beneficial impact on our daughter. She was made to feel really welcome by coaches and players, and the coaches have been incredibly positive and supportive in helping her to develop her coordination and improve her fitness. Our Daughters self-esteem has benefited enormously as a result, and she is considerably fitter and more active than she was. Her hand-eye coordination has improved significantly, and she now regards herself as sporty. Since starting at Super 1s she has completed her Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (the SEND version) and has recently gained the confidence to start playing rugby for Bath Rugby’s inclusive Bath Ladies Trojans team. Before my daughter started playing with Super 1s, we could not have imagined her being able to access these opportunities.
Her confidence and self-esteem have improved considerably since starting at Super 1s. She has also made some great friends and improved her social skills. Her listening skills, ability to follow instructions and executive skills have all improved along with her fitness and coordination. She struggles with anxiety but was so excited by being offered a place on a Super 1 girls’ residential in Summer 2024 that she managed to attend. She enjoyed herself so much that she would now like to work in sports coaching or outdoor education. Again, the coaches on the residential were incredibly kind and supportive, and she came back full of confidence having had an amazing three days. Our daughter has now been invited to join the Super 1 Leadership Academy, which she is beyond excited about. Being involved with Super 1s has encouraged our daughter is trying experiences outside of her comfort zone, which has broadened her outlook, increased her self-esteem and reduced her anxiety. The residential also gave our family some respite, which was hugely valuable in itself.
As a family, we could not be more impressed by the Super 1 programme. It has transformed our daughter into a confident and sporty young woman who believes in herself and is open to new experiences. The Super 1 programme has made our daughter fitter, stronger and more coordinated while also increasing her self-esteem and improving her social skills and executive functioning. The coaches are exceptionally kind, supportive and encouraging. Our daughter looks forward to Super 1s every week and enjoys every session enormously. We are very grateful to Lord’s Taverners for funding the Super 1 programme, which really does change lives.
Adult Disability
In September 2023, the Foundation secured some funding through Somerset Community Foundation that allowed them to develop opportunities for adults with disabilities. The aim is to increase activity levels and improve the mental health and wellbeing of those involved with the Foundation by developing links through which to connect to the local community.
From September 2023 to October 2024, 114 sessions were delivered across the County (Taunton, Wembdon, Bridgwater, West Huntspill, Chard, Yeovil), totalling 157.5 hours. The winter sessions took place in local halls, primarily village halls and YMCA locations.
In partnership with local cricket clubs, Somerset Cricket Foundation delivered 58 of these sessions at local cricket clubs using club volunteers. The volunteers delivering the sessions were either trained by the Foundation or were supported in receiving a bursary to qualify as a cricket coach. This allowed SCF to work with 15 different providers, giving 160 unique participants the opportunity to become active through playing cricket.
Here is further feedback evidence of the important impact that Somerset Cricket Foundation is having on people across the county:
Michael is a young man with autism who usually does not engage with group activities or communicate with people he does not know. He is happy in his own space and finds a quiet spot away from everyone else.
Michael loves cricket, has a huge smile on his face and is super excited to get there. During our cricket sessions, Michael is an active participant, joining in without hesitation, and communicating with others to express what they wish to do during the session. He will willingly work with other people he has not met before and enjoys the interaction with other people.
Michael’s skill has improved to the point where he is respected for his skill and other participants want him on their side for team games. He has developed a real sense of self through playing cricket and socialises more than in any other setting.
Michael usually does not enjoy receiving praise but enjoys recognition during cricket sessions.
Disability Champion Clubs
Somerset Cricket Foundation strive to support cricket clubs to open their facility and provide local opportunities for more people with a disability to get active. This year the charity has worked with some amazing clubs who have been first class at supporting or delivering opportunities.
These clubs include, Bridgwater CC, Uphill Castle CC, Ilton CC, Wembdon CC, Chard CC, Yeovil CC, Hunsptill & District CC, Purnell, Wombat CC, Taunton Deane CC, West Coker & Hardington CC and Knowle CC, to name just a few.
Here is what it has meant to Wembdon CC to be Champion Club:
Wembdon Cricket Club became a Champion Club to champion disability and SEN (Special Educational Needs) cricket activities as part of our commitment to making cricket accessible to everyone.
Champion Clubs aim to:
- Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that individuals with disabilities and SEN can participate in cricket.
- Provide Resources and Support: Offer guidance, resources, and equipment to help disabled players enjoy the game.
- Foster Community Engagement: Create a welcoming environment for players of all abilities and encourage community involvement.
- Enhance Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of inclusive sports and the benefits of cricket for individuals with disabilities.
As a champion club, Wembdon Cricket Club has undertaken several initiatives to champion disability and SEN cricket activities:
- Inclusive Programs: They offer cricket programs tailored for individuals with disabilities and SEN, ensuring everyone can participate.
- Specialized Training: Providing specialized training for coaches and volunteers to support players with different needs.
- Adaptive Equipment: Investing in adaptive equipment and facilities to make the game more accessible.
- Community Events: Organizing events and matches that promote inclusivity and raise awareness about disability cricket.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations and schools to expand their reach and impact.
These efforts help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all cricketers, regardless of their abilities.
Becoming a Disability Cricket Champion has brought several benefits to Wembdon Cricket Club:
- Enhanced Community Engagement: The club has seen increased participation from the local community, including individuals with disabilities and SEN, fostering a more inclusive environment.
- Positive Public Image: The club’s commitment to inclusivity has improved its reputation, attracting positive media attention and new members.
- Access to Resources: As a champion club, Wembdon has received support from the ECB, including funding, equipment, and training resources to help deliver inclusive cricket sessions.
- Skill Development: Coaches and volunteers have gained valuable experience and skills in adapting cricket for players with different needs, enhancing the overall quality of coaching.
- Stronger Partnerships: The club has formed partnerships with local organizations, schools, and disability groups, strengthening community ties and expanding its network.
These benefits not only support the club’s mission of inclusivity but also contribute to its growth and sustainability.
Based on participant feedback, the cricket program at Wembdon Cricket Club has had a positive impact on participants, especially those with disabilities and SEN. Here are some key benefits:
- Physical Health
- Improved Fitness: Regular participation in cricket has helped improve the overall fitness and physical health of the participants.
- Coordination and Motor Skills: Playing cricket has enhanced their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
- Mental Well-Being
- Boosted Confidence: Participants have reported increased self-confidence and self-esteem through active involvement in the sport.
- Stress Relief: Engaging in cricket has provided a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, promoting better mental health.
- Social Benefits
- Teamwork: The program has fostered a sense of teamwork and cooperation among participants, helping them build strong relationships with their peers.
- Social Inclusion: Participants feel more included and valued within the community, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Skill Development
- Cricket Skills: Many participants have developed their cricket skills, from batting and bowling to fielding.
- Life Skills: Through the program, participants have also learned valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and leadership.
Overall, the cricket program has provided numerous physical, mental, and social benefits to the participants, contributing to their overall well-being and personal growth. This feedback underscores the importance and positive impact of inclusive sports programs.
For more information on Somerset Cricket Foundation click below:
