In the run-up to International Women’s Day, we are taking the opportunity to celebrate all facets of the Women and Girls’ game across Devon.
The last three years have shown female cricket to be the fastest-growing area of the game and this has been reflected in our county. Today the focus is on the girls’ recreational game.
The Devon Girls’ Cricket League (DGCL), the first of its kind in Devon, was established in 2022 creating a true pathway from Under 11s cricket through to women’s softball and hardball leagues.
The success of the league culminated in the Finals Day at Exmouth Cricket Club last September, with over 300 people attending to see the games played and join us for the Reward and Recognition Event in the afternoon.
The 2022 season saw over 160 games played across the 40 teams (16 clubs) in the DGCL – a great achievement!
The 2023 season looks to be just as successful with growth in all age groups across the DGCL and with the provision of turn-up-and-play festivals outside of league fixtures, there are plenty of opportunities for clubs to get their girls involved even if they are not ready for the league.
"The uptake for the Devon Girls’ Cricket League has been more than we ever could have hoped for and the uptake reflects the desire for girls to have the opportunity to play in female-only leagues. Its success is down to the hard work of clubs and volunteers to see that cricket is a game for everyone. It is fantastic to see that cricket is making progress to equity across the game, we still have work to do."
- Ann-Marie Presswell, Women and Girls Development Officer
To find out more about the DGC Hardball league, please follow the link here or if you would like more news about the DGC Softball League, please follow the link here.
For all clubs that offer girl's only cricket opportunities, please click here and for opportunities to play outside the league, please find information on festivals and competitions here.
If you would like support or help to start or build up a girls' section at your club, please contact Ann-Marie Presswell.