Are you looking for a new way to stay active and improve your physical wellbeing? Do you want to meet new people and make social connections?
If so, Walking Cricket may be just what you’re looking for!
We are excited to announce that we have three new Walking Cricket hubs at the following cricket clubs; Otley, Garforth, and Knaresborough. Each hub offers a fun and accessible way to play the game of cricket while staying active and socializing with like-minded peers.
Cricket clubs are now introducing a format of walking cricket called ‘Greenfield’ which is played and mirrors the game and gives the opportunity for older adults to play a format of the game that may be seen as more accessible than other current formats.
As the name suggests the game is played at walking place and as well as delivering cricketing skills to players who may not have played for a while, or for new players. The format provides an exciting way to keeping active and fit. Aimed at people who are semi-retired and older, the game is able to provide an opportunity for people to socialise and get involved in a very interesting format of the game.
New session information
- Otley Cricket Club – the first session is on Tuesday, May 9th, from 2-4pm, with a brew afterwards. Weather permitting, sessions will be held every week thereafter.
- Garforth Parish Church Cricket Club – the first session starts on April 28th, which is a free one, and will continue every week thereafter.
- Knaresborough Cricket Club – the first session starts on May 24th.
So come and join us at one of our Walking Cricket hubs. We’re confident that you’ll have a great time and make new friends while staying active and improving your physical and mental wellbeing. Remember to dress comfortably, wear proper footwear, and bring a smile – we’ll take care of the rest!
For more information about the Walking Cricket please contact Kendal James, the YCF Head of Participation, on:
Email: [email protected]
Pictured, a Walking Cricket player hits the ball at a session in Girlington. Since Walking Cricket was launched in 2019 the activity has been an instant hit across Yorkshire and continues to grow year on year.
About Walking Cricket
Walking Cricket was developed as a new concept in 2019, thanks to a partnership with the University of the third age (u3a) and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation (YCF).
The activity, endorsed by retired cricket umpire and Yorkshire icon Dickie Bird and English international cricketer and Yorkshire star Joe Root, makes cricket accessible to those who identify as older adults, are semi – retired or retired.
It tailors the traditional game of cricket to suit those with less mobility and by catering for different abilities, with an emphasis on social interaction and the opportunity for people to connect and build friendships.
Mac McKechnie, the founder of the first Walking Cricket side in Yorkshire – the Barnsley u3a Walking Cricket team, said: “It’s not just about the health benefits it’s the social side also – Walking Cricket provides an opportunity where people can meet with friends, have a cuppa and a natter – which is more important than the cricket itself.”
In recent times Walking Cricket has become a lifeline, particularly in the Covid-19 pandemic for potentially isolated older people – not only for its physical rewards, but its mental and social benefits.
