Celebrating International Women’s Day
Cricket Shropshire’s Women & Girls Officer Naomi Payne reflects on the continuing growth of the women and girls’ game in the county.
It’s International Women’s Day, and we pause for just a moment to reflect and celebrate the power of women and girls who are shaping cricket in Shropshire.
Across the county, the game is alive in every nook and cranny – on village greens, school fields, at club nets, and vital community hubs.
Women and girls are stepping forward as players, leaders and changemakers all the time, and we’ve seen that grow exponentially over the last few years.
Their achievements are not only sporting successes but milestones in a wider journey toward opportunity, equity, and the right for every girl to take her place in the game.
The rise of women and girls’ cricket in Shropshire has been built on determination, talent, and a shared belief that barriers are meant to be broken, whether it’s a young girl picking up a bat for the first time or a seasoned player leading her team out on a summer evening. What’s most important is that each moment represents progress!
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary network of people who make the game happen.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Shropshire cricket. They are the ones who give their evenings, weekends, and energy to ensure that every session runs smoothly and every player feels supported.
Scorers and umpires bring structure, fairness, and professionalism to matches, and coaches dedicate themselves to nurturing skills and confidence.
And as it’s International Women’s Day we can’t forget about the mums (and, of course, the dads) who drive, drop off, cheer, wash kits, and encourage their girls. Ultimately, you are providing the foundations for your daughters to step forward and thrive.
Together, this community is creating an environment where girls can dream big and pursue those dreams without hesitation.
The work being done across Shropshire is dismantling old assumptions about who cricket is for and replacing them with a culture that welcomes, includes and empowers.
Every new team formed, every festival held, every coaching session delivered is another step toward a future where opportunity is not limited by gender but shaped by passion and potential… and of that, we have it by the bucket load!
Women and Girls’ Officer, Naomi Payne says, “Seeing the women and girls game grow here in Shropshire brings a lot of joy to many people, especially myself.
“As a youngster, I played in a very different time but was always blessed with fabulous coaches and volunteers who advocated for my being there. Now, those voices are in abundance across Shropshire and more and more women and girls are being encouraged to pick up bats and bowl balls.
“We at Cricket Shropshire are dedicated to breaking down every barrier possible to ensure female cricket and representation succeeds and thrives in this County.
“International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is both a celebration and a responsibility.
|”The successes of today’s players, the dedication of volunteers, and the blood, sweat and tears of coaches will inspire the next generation.
“Shropshire’s commitment to opening doors, widening pathways, and championing the rights of women and girls in cricket is not just transforming the sport, but we’re strengthening communities and networks, and creating lasting change.
“As the season ahead approaches, the county stands ready to continue this momentum.
“More girls picking up bats, more women leading teams, more volunteers stepping forward, more voices shaping the future.
“The action is everywhere, and the impact is growing. The story of women and girls’ cricket in Shropshire is one of resilience, joy, and collective effort.”