Swing into action with Old Glossop women’s softball

Old Glossop Cricket Club (OGCC) is marking its 125th Anniversary by launching a second women’s softball cricket team, and is opening its door to potential new players.

The cricket club, situated on Manor Park Road, has a series of initiatives this year in order to celebrate its ‘quasquicentennial’ as part of its drive to make cricket in the community accessible to all walks of life. 

One of those initiatives is adding a second women’s team to a club which already runs three men’s teams, a T20 team, mixed Under 15s, Under 13s, Under 11s and Under 9s teams. It also runs a very successful, ECB-backed All Stars and Dynamos children’s cricket camp for ages 7-11 every Friday night during the season. 
 
Softball cricket was introduced by the English Cricket Board (ECB) in 2017 with the specific aim of ‘having fun’ and is designed to be more accessible than the traditional form of hardball cricket. 
 
Women’s team captain Anna Lunn explained: “The women’s softball cricket team has come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of years and we are hoping to tap into the momentum of the 125 anniversary to build on that even further with a second team. We encourage anyone to come and try it out - we have a range of ages and abilities.” 
 
Amanda Taylor, whose son Harry also plays for the Under 15s and adult teams, has recently joined the player ranks. “I haven’t played competitive sport since school, but becoming part of the team this year has been brilliant fun. I didn’t really know a lot about cricket before, but the squad has been so welcoming and patient with me, I’m kicking myself that I didn’t get involved sooner.” 
 
OGCC Chairman George White commented: “The women’s team have quickly become an integral part of the club; they even have their own shirt sponsor with the Commercial Inn. I’m delighted that we are establishing a second team this year, especially as it’s our 125th anniversary. We’ve got plenty of other things planned to celebrate this year, so I hope everyone in the Old Glossop Community and beyond can get involved.” 
 
Training for the Women’s Team is on Monday evenings at the Glossop Glass & Glazing Cricket Ground on Manor Park Road, with matches against other teams in the Derbyshire & Cheshire Cricket League’s Women’s Softball Division on Tuesday evenings. 
 
For more information about how to get involved email: oldglossopcricketclub@gmail.com