Wicketz and Super 1s participants attend 'CricFest'

The Gloucestershire cricket foundation’s (GCF) annual community 'CricFest' event returned to the seat unique stadium earlier this month.

It was another memorable event at the Gloucestershire county ground that welcomed 80 young people from across the GCF's community programmes, including Wicketz and Super 1s participants, to take part in their biggest community event of the year! The event saw a range of activities being packed into an exciting two-day schedule.

This year was the first year that Super 1s attended CricFest. For Super 1s to be involved in a community event, be given the opportunities to take part in activities, and compete and socialise with others at an inspiring setting was a fantastic occasion. CricFest provided an opportunity for local Super 1s participants to meet new friends, play with siblings and take part in various other activities.

Jeanette Tate, GCF Disability Development Officer said:

“It was inspiring to see the Super1s participants develop over the 2 days of CricFest, try new things, compete against others, and increase in confidence and independence.”

Participants had the opportunity to do a Q&A session with professional players Ollie Price, Dom Goodman, Joe Phillips, and Ed Middleton from the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club before they started their activities of the day which were sadly indoors due to poor weather. The young people from our programmes participated in the Legend’s Walkway quiz, indoor reaction board challenges, the museum competition, skills practice in the indoor cricket centre and a behind the scenes tour of the players’ changing rooms!

CGI, partners of GCF, and Claire Lyes, STEM Teacher and Trustee of GCF, delivered two separate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) educational workshop activities to participants.

Claire said:

“It was great to see the young people build relationships during these sessions and understand how these life skills are also valuable in cricket. Both sessions had time restraints to encourage working under pressure. The workshops also promoted teamwork, communication, problem solving, creativity and strategic planning skills.”

Participants then went on to play some fixtures on the outfield where they had the unique opportunity to showcase their skills in a professional setting. The matches were filled with enthusiasm and competitive spirit, allowing the budding athletes to experience the thrill of playing on a grand stage.

The second day of CricFest at the Seat Unique Stadium was a remarkable experience for the young cricket enthusiasts as they brought the round robin tournament to a close. The combination of perfect weather, thrilling matches, expert coaching and a delicious meal made it a day they will cherish for years to come.

GCF were also joined by Ed Hadwin from BBC Radio Bristol – The Pavilion, who interviewed some participants from our Wicketz programme, click here and listen from 20:40 to find out what they said!

Click here to hear more about the day!