In response to the record-breaking success of the 2023 Ashes and their role as the inaugural Champion Partner of Women’s and Girls Cricket, Metro Bank and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced the launch of The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund.
This new initiative aims to transform women’s and girls’ cricket by focusing on recruiting, educating, supporting, and celebrating those involved in club-level girls’ cricket.
The goal of the Fund, co-designed and jointly funded by Metro Bank and the ECB, is to triple the number of girls’ teams at cricket clubs by the end of 2026.
The Fund will provide support for existing and potential new coaches and volunteers, both male and female, to encourage the growth of girls’ cricket.
It targets clubs with existing girls’ sections as well as those looking to start a new section.
Commitment to the Fund extends through 2028, with the first three years dedicated to supporting coaches and volunteers, informed by research conducted by Women in Sport.
This research indicated that one of the key barriers to participation is the shortage of female coaches in girls’ cricket.
The Fund is structured around seven “pillars” designed to tackle these barriers and encourage the growth of girls’ cricket at the club level.
This includes a coach development subsidy program to financially support coaches, a club coach program to aid coach growth within clubs, and a digital learning resource hub to share knowledge among the women’s and girls’ cricket community.
Leshia Hawkins, MD of Recreational Cricket at ECB, stated: “We’re delighted to be working with Metro Bank to launch the Girls in Cricket Fund today.
This Fund is going to turbocharge the growth of grassroots cricket among women and girls by creating even more coaches and volunteers who will support and drive the next generation of girls playing the game.
From that first moment of inspiration to become a volunteer, right through to expert resources for coaches, the Fund is there to support every step of the journey.
This is not just about getting more women and girls involved in cricket, it’s about inspiring them, empowering them to progress through the game in their chosen role, and helping to positively transform their lives in cricket.”
Danielle Lee, Brand and Marketing Director at Metro Bank, added: “We are excited to be working with the ECB to help move the dial on women’s and girls’ participation by funding this grassroots’ initiative – which we believe will allow thousands of girls to develop an interest in playing cricket.
When girls regularly participate in sport, our research shows this helps them to excel and develop in every aspect of their lives. Together, we are going to help girls fulfil their potential.”
To learn more about The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund and support the future of girls’ cricket, visit metrobankonline.co.uk/cricket.