District

A new addition to the performance programme for 2010 was the introduction of Under 11 Girls District Cricket. It became very clear throughout the summer of 2009 that there were lots of talented girls playing in girls and boys cricket across Gloucestershire that deserved the opportunity to receive coaching and match opportunities in readiness for County cricket at the Under 13 age group. Therefore throughout the winter 27 girls were selected to be part of either the ‘North’ or ‘South’ squad and receive 10 weeks of coaching in their respective region – coaching was led by Mark Graham and Neil Higginson.

During May half term week the two squads came together to play fixtures against each other at Chipping Sodbury C.C. and Stone C.C respectively. The standard of cricket played by both teams was excellent and a testament to the hard work of both the girls and coaches throughout the winter. The District programme has unearthed some outstanding talent that ensures the future of Gloucestershire’s Girls County teams looks very bright.

Such was the talent of the girls that rather spontaneously, a Gloucestershire Under 11 Girls ‘Development’ team was formed to play a series of friendlies to continue to gain match experience. The Under 11 ‘Development’ team have so far played one fixture against Somerset Under 12 girls whereby they returned victorious in a nail-biter of a game. With players as young as 9 in the side this is an outstanding achievement. Future fixtures will include Bath C.C. and hopefully Wiltshire, Herefordshire and a return fixture with Somerset.

Trials for the 2011 season will occur in October 2010 with the winter programme commencing in January for the selected girls. The trial nomination letter can be found attached below – nominations need to be received no later than Friday 27^th August.

Nomination Letter