Walking cricket proves huge success
10 October 2024
Walking cricket proves huge success
Bath Cricket Club has just launched weekly walking cricket sessions for people who are older, or less physically able, but still want to enjoy sport in a relaxed, fun and socialenvironment. Already proving popular after its September launch, Bath CC’s walking cricket has grown to over ten regular attendees, drawing interest from both novice and life-time players from as far afield as Swindon.
The sessions run every Thursday from 10am-11.30am at the Bath Sports & Leisure Centre. Kicking off with a warm-up, the weekly sessions also involve skills development and pairs cricket matches before all attendees are invited back to Bath Cricket Club for teas, coffees and a catch-up in the relaxed and friendly setting of The Boundary, which is the club’s versatile venue for a range of events.
Bath Cricket Club is one of twelve winter Walking Cricket Hubs across Somerset which have been set up with the support of the Somerset Cricket Foundation to provide a regular setting to enjoy cricket throughout the year at a slower pace.
Mark Watts, Community & Junior Manager, Bath Cricket Club said:
“We’ve been really delighted with the interest in these new walking cricket sessions, attracting participants from other clubs such as Lansdown CC’s summer walking cricket club, and drawing interest from as far afield as Swindon. We have up to 20 places available each week, so we’re really keen to double the numbers attending by this side of Christmas. The important thing is that you don’t need to have played cricket before, as you’re introduced to the sport in a very relaxed setting, and everyone has really enjoyed the social afterwards back at the club.”
Steve Gass, Community Programmes Manager, Somerset Cricket Foundation, said:
“It’s great to have Bath Cricket Club come on board and provide a new walking cricket opportunity in Somerset. As well as being able to increase fitness levels, emotional health gets a great boost too for a person involved in walking cricket, not least self-confidence and self-esteem.”
Pat Spencer, who has been attending the walking cricket sessions from the start, said: “Throughout the morning the Bath CC coaches, Josh and Mark are extremely encouraging and helpful whatever your ability. They offer advice if asked, they are very patient, and somehow always smiling!!
I’ve found that it’s not just about playing the sport, it’s more for our general wellbeing. It’s a social occasion that we all look forward to. At the end of the session, we warm down by strolling back to the Bath CC clubhouse for coffee, cake, and a chat. Some of us talk a lot, some of us listen, but the camaraderie around the table demonstrates that everyone is having a good time.”
Those looking to be part of the fastest growing form of cricket in the UK, can either visit the dedicated Bath CC walking cricket website (www.walkingcricket.bathcricket.com) to sign up for a free trial session, or contact Mark Watts, Community & Junior Manager at Bath CC on 07588 713816.
