Shifnal keen to add to story of success

After launching their girls coaching set-up three years ago thanks to the aid of a grant from the English and Wales Cricket Board, interest has sky-rocketed and the side proved to be a smash hit.

The success was so great, that Shifnal were able to then launch an open-age women's side – mostly formed from keen parents.

For Kevin Humphreys, welfare officer at Shifnal CC, the importance of seeking new talent and continuing their progress cannot be overstated.

"Really, I think we're a victim of our own success," Humphreys said.

"Many of the under-13 girls that we started with a few years ago have now gone on to play in the women's side and we're very keen to attract new players.

"Part of the ECB's deal was that we put in place conditions for girls and women to be able to play and that is now a commitment from ourselves.

"Our women's side ranges from the ages of 14 to 58 and is a real mix of some that played cricket at school and some that have never really played.

"We offered the chance to parents that were bringing their daughters, and staying to watch, to have a go and it went from there. We now have between 18 and 20 women playing for us."

Female cricket is becoming increasingly popular in the county with nine sides competing across the north and south divisions in the 2015 season.

The girls game sees Shifnal compete in a five-strong division.

Pleasure

But Humphreys insists that it is not about the competing, but for girls and women of whatever age to come along and enjoy the sport.

"We are absolutely happy to have players of any ability at all," he added.

"I do the coaching and I have to say it's been an absolute pleasure to coach the girls.

"The enthusiasm to learn and improve is fantastic.

"We've also found female coaches to help with the sessions as it can make players feel more comfortable and that's important.

"The success we have had has impacted the whole cricket club.

"There is a real positive impact around the club as a whole from it. It's what the club is about, a real family occasion."

Alongside the girls team, which caters for under-13s before 14 and above can join the women's side, the club are also staging 'kinder sessions' on Friday evenings for boys and girls between the ages of five and seven.

"Parents can bring their kids to come and have a go at no cost, just come and have a taste," Humphreys said.

The girls sessions are held on Monday nights from 6.15-7.15pm.

The kinder coaching (school years one and two) on Fridays runs from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.