Sara's Story
Sara initially got into cricket through our Wicketz programme in Southampton, but has since gone on to coach, score, officiate and drive positive change particularly for young women in the sport.
Sara joined the Wicketz programme in Southampton during lockdown in 2020. Her first involvement was through taking part in online workshops with her brother Zaki. She had an outside interest in cricket, occasionally coming along to sessions in St Mary's to watch her brother, but hadn't taken it further.
It was during the period of inactivity due to the global pandemic when Sara was inspired to not only become more active, but to become a role model to other young girls who want to take up the game.
In less than three years of being involved in the programme, Sara has demonstrated determination to develop within the sport and enhance her skillsets and opportunities. She has taken every opportunity to come her way and is the first Southampton Wicketz participant to hold an ECB Core Coach qualification as well as an ECBACO Stage Two umpire. This has allowed her to coach in communities and on talent pathways across Southampton, now coaching herself on the Wicketz and Southampton MCC Foundation Hub programmes.
Sara has also made an impact at Peter Symonds College, where she studies, by single-handedly starting a girl’s cricket session which she set up and now delivers.
As well as her coaching, Sara sits on youth advisory boards for Hampshire Cricket Board, Take Her Lead and Chance to Shine. She has also gained further umpiring, scoring and coaching qualifications by enrolling on the HCB Girls’ Champions programme.
Sara has been involved with delivering the HCB’s women and girls’ programme over the two years. Sara played for the Hampshire Select XI in the annual fixture against the England VI Women squad in 2022 and 2023, captaining in 2023. She has also supported development programmes and women’s and girl’s festivals and in 2023 was part of the umpiring team for the first ever women’s Hampshire Slam Finals at The Ageas Bowl.
“Wicketz gives me opportunities and role models that I would not have had otherwise. I’ve met lots of people and made friends I wouldn’t have made. Having that across the country builds a really nice network of people who like cricket and we do things together, improve together and hopefully reach our dreams and goals.
“It has been incredible to be recognised for my achievements. I’m very grateful to the Wicketz programme for supporting me to develop as an individual.”
October 2023