Bradford Under 15 girls are the champions of the MCC’s National Foundation competition, achieving the dream of winning a Lord’s final earlier today.
Teams representing hubs from Bradford, the Cotswolds, Manchester and Slough all took part in the Finals Day at the Home of Cricket, split across girls’ and boys’ games.
And Bradford did Yorkshire proud in their final, beating the Cotswolds in the final on the main pitch at Lord’s.
They comfortably defended their 20-over total of 135-3.
Prior to the final, an article on the Yorkshire Cricket Board’s website read: “The players train at Woodlands Cricket Club in Bradford, and thanks to funding from the MCC, they receive quality coaching without incurring any cost to the player.
“The MCC Foundation was founded in 1993.
“It is the charitable arm of Marylebone Cricket Club and aims to transform lives through cricket, and open up pathways for young cricketers, regardless of race, gender and economic circumstance.”
Their coach, Mohammed Salim said: “I have coached most of these players for a long time, and I knew they could do it with the right support.
“They are a fantastic team of girls.
“None of this would be possible without the support from Woodlands Cricket Club, who have made their outdoor and indoor facilities available whenever needed.”
Bradford hub manager Katie Stewart said: “I am so proud of what this team of girls have achieved.
“When you are a 14 or 15-year-old girl, there are many competing distractions. But since coming together in May, they have developed the most amazing team spirit and have really impressed me with their commitment and sheer hard work.
“Praise has to go to their coach, Salim, who goes above and beyond to help them improve their cricket and to ensure enjoyment of the game is at the forefront.”
