East Riding is 'giving the charge' with walking cricket
Mon 27th March 2017
With cricket season almost here the East Riding is to become the first region in Yorkshire to launch walking cricket sessions with the aim of helping men and women aged 50 and over to access the sport.
Following the huge success of walking netball and walking football in the East Riding, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Sport, Play and Arts Service is to expand its range of walking sports by introducing walking cricket.
Walking cricket, which will be played with adapted rules on an indoor pitch, aims to help people improve their fitness, get back into the game, or just have some fun and make new friends.
Councillor Richard Harrap, council portfolio holder for adult and carer services, said: “The introduction of walking sports, like netball and football, to the East Riding has been a resounding success with numerous people now experiencing first-hand the benefits of getting active in spite of their age or ability.
“Walking sports have the power to introduce people to something which they might not otherwise have had the chance or the confidence to experience, so it is wonderful to see walking cricket now being launched in the region.
“These new sessions will give everyone the chance to play the popular sport for the first time, or perhaps return to the game after a period of injury or illness, and crucially to do this in a fun, friendly and sociable environment.”
The sessions, which are supported by the Yorkshire Cricket Board (YCB), will start at East Riding Leisure Haltemprice on Monday 3 April, 1-2pm.
The first six sessions, to be led by community sports coach and Stamford Bridge cricketer Dominic Rhodes, will be free with future dates including Monday 10 and 24 April; and Monday 8, 15 and 22 May.
Joe Ashdown, YCB cricket development manager for East Yorkshire and Selby, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both men and women to get active and play this wonderful game in a relaxed and sociable setting.
“We are really excited to be supporting these new sessions in the East Riding and we hope this will be the start of a whole new sport for the county.”
For further information or to book onto the sessions call community sports coach Dominic Rhodes on 01482 392529 or 07881843197. Alternatively email dominic.rhodes@eastriding.gov.uk
