2021 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB 2021 ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 16 clubs via a second window of junior cricket after the school holidays had commenced. Away from the club network, children from 75 primary schools gained an introduction to cricket via Chance to Shine, and in excess of 500 children continued their cricket- ing journey with recreational clubs. Meanwhile, 240 young people, keen to learn the skills of the stars, attended our Junior Outlaws softball and hardball sessions. Those children who thrive on com- petition were well catered for, with an under 9s Kwik Cricket League allowing 504 children to test their mettle in a countywide tournament. Our programmes designed to take cricket into previously underserved communities continued to flourish, with 81 young people engaged in the softballWicketz programme, and 180 taking part in inner-city, tape-ball Street Cricket sessions. For those who wish to follow their passion and talent towards the professional arena, their journey along the cricketing pathway may only just be beginning – and that is now equally true for girls and boys. An increase in the number of professional women’s contracts and the establishment of elite regional teams (with Nottinghamshire represented by Loughborough-based Lightning) have helped to provide a clear route to the pinnacle of the sport. Alongside this, the growth of the recreational game has been remarkable. In 2019, three teams from our county competed in the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League.That number stood at 25 this summer – with almost 40% of competing teams in the league being drawn from within our county borders. In total, 100 women were introduced to softball cricket this summer, while a dozen new women’s teams were established across softball and hard- ball formats. For the reach of the women’s game to continue to expand, relatable role models will be key.With this in mind, the 50 South Asian Female Activators we have trained this year will be key to breaking down barriers in their communities, whilst a female CoachTutor is now in place for the first time to help inspire women to move into coaching. With participation numbers in women’s cricket higher than ever this summer, the next challenge is to sustain that interest while the mercury sits near freezing point – and we are committed to providing opportunities all year round. Increased interest from women and girls has been a catalyst for growth in our disability cricket programmes, with female participation in our Super 1s programmes for 12 to 25- year-olds increasing to 30%. It has been rewarding to return to face- to-face activities this summer as restrictions eased, with 128 sessions taking place in four locations across the county. However, it remains important to acknowledge the role technology has been able to play, with activities over Zoom helping to sustain an all- important sense of community during periods of lockdown. Many who take part in Super 1s do so simply because of the opportunities for social interaction and physical activity.The scheme can, however, serve as a breeding ground for new talent. As a result of the promise shown in their Super 1s classes, 12 young people will receive training this winter at Trent Bridge to prepare them for competitive action as part of the more advanced Super 9s programme. Elsewhere, 12 special educational needs (SEN) schools enjoyed a taste of Table Cricket, whilst Keyworth CC’s position at the forefront of disability cricket provision was confirmed by its receipt of ECB Champion Club status. “IN TOTAL, 100 WOMEN WERE INTRODUCED TO SOFTBALL CRICKET THIS SUMMER, WHILE A DOZEN NEWWOMEN’S TEAMS WERE ESTABLISHED ACROSS SOFTBALL AND HARDBALL FORMATS.” Tim Eatherington