Explosion of Women's Softball Cricket across the County

"Since the start of the Devon Women's Softball League in 2021, the number of teams entering has increased fourfold. The desire for women to organise, play, coach and officiate their own sport has driven this growth and it has been an honour to be able to facilitate that," says Ann-Marie Presswell, Women and Girls' Development Officer. 

Devon Cricket has been visiting the four regions of the county in the last couple of weeks and in each region a club has spoken about the impact that Women and Girls' Cricket has had on their club. 

In the East, Exmouth, who have seen such a dramatic uptake that they are able to enter four teams in the league, spoke about the positive benefits that the new section has had on the club. Aside from the new members and volunteers that the club has gained, the women's teams have opened up a whole new section of the business community to sponsor and that want to be part of the club.

Jo Watson, Women and Girls' Coordinator, says: "It has bought a whole new dynamic to the club and it is great to see the club being used for the whole weekend!"

In the West area, Lesley Thompson from Buckland Monachorum spoke about their women's team and how they had worked with Yelverton Bohemians to field the Moorland Maidens

She mentions a common theme from all the clubs: "For many years we have sat at the sidelines and watched the game. We never thought we could be part of a team, playing the sport that we love and now we can! There are so many roles to play as well, so if you cannot play you can score or umpire and still be involved. The presence of the women has raised the profile of the club."

Caroline Wilson, from Filleigh, spoke at the North area and mentioned the support and help from Devon Cricket was vital to starting up their section: "We have had women and girl's returning to the club after being away - new people who want to become actively involved in the club. It has empowered the women and they are thrilled to be able to be more than spectators."

Having hosted a Softball Festival last season, they cannot wait to do the same this year. A visiting team to the club commented on how welcoming the club was and that they were looking forward to returning for the cricket....and the amazing selection of cakes! 

The last roadshow was in the South and Lorraine Tilley spoke from Teignmouth and Shaldon. Dan O'Connell, the coach said:

"It has been an absolute pleasure to have coached the women and the new sections have allowed my family - my daughter in the Under 11 Girls, my wife in the softball women and myself as a Saturday player  - to have a sport we can all love and take part in together." 

The growth of Women's Softball Cricket has bought a new diversity to all the clubs involved and these clubs have membership bases that reflect the communities around them. But at the heart of it all is the fact that, with the number of women's teams increasing, we can see equity growing in the game and the chance for more women to say that cricket is the game for them. 

If your club would like to get involved in Softball Cricket, but are not ready for the league, please contact Ann-Marie Presswell.

Your club can always start its journey into Softball Cricket at one of the summer turn-up-and-play festivals detailed below.