Walking Cricket was developed as a new concept in 2019, which makes cricket accessible to older adults, or individuals who are semi – retired or retired. Walking Cricket is an adaptation of the traditional game of Cricket to suit those with less mobility and caters for different abilities. The project was formed through a partnership with the University of the third age (U3A) and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation (YCF).

What makes it different?

There is no running allowed and it is played with a softer ball.

Each session the group gets opportunities to score, umpire and play, so each individual learns new skills, keeping both their mind and bodies active.

Walking Cricket teams are spreading all across Yorkshire, where we are now organising friendly competitions for those cricketers who still enjoy playing competitively. The future for this project is equally exciting, with plans for organising a Yorkshire-wide Walking Cricket team that can take on other counties across the UK!

Norah from walking cricket demonstrating some skills with the cricket bat

Why Walking Cricket Matters

Walking Cricket is not just about the physical benefits or winning the game, its about the team spirit, developing new relationships and maintaining good mental health.

Of course the development of cricket skills is also a great achievement but it is often the enjoyment of the activity and each other’s company that motivate our participants to come back every week.

For most participants, this project has not only created an accessible way to improve fitness but an invaluable opportunity that has given our cricketers something to look forward to. Walking Cricket is a way to remain active, socialize safely and most importantly a means to enjoy each other’s company, have a laugh and create new friendships.

Contacts

South Yorkshire

Rotherham – contact; Bruce Cable – [email protected]

Barnsley – contact; Mac Mckechnie- [email protected]

Barnsley FC Community Trust – contact; Neil Lunn – [email protected]

Doncaster – contact; Chris Woolven – [email protected]

Sheffield – contact; Chris jones – [email protected]

West Yorkshire

Calderdale (The Cricket Asylum Foundation)

Wednesdays 10am-12pm @ The Cricket Asylum

Contact: Pete Staley [email protected]

Leeds u3a (Headingely) – contact; Barbara Stearn [email protected]

Leeds (Harehills) – contact; Kamran Khan – [email protected]

Leeds (Beeston) – contact; Sohail Raz – [email protected]

Leeds u3a (IIlkey)- contact; Liz Billings-
[email protected]

Wakefield – contact; Christopher Parkes – [email protected]

Todmordan u3a – contact; Michael Astrop –
[email protected]

North Yorkshire

Whitby – contact; Michael Stones – [email protected]
Only runs in Spring and Summer months

Harrogate – contact; Richard Whiteley – [email protected]
Only runs in Spring and Summer months

& for more information about the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation programme and/or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kendal James, the YCF Participation Manager, on:

Email: [email protected]