Choose cricket and you won’t be disappointed. That is the message from Susan Hewitt, mother of Yorkshire and England star Rob, to any disabled youngster with a sporting interest.

On International Women’s Day, we caught up with Susan, whose contribution to, and love for, Yorkshire disability cricket has been significant over the last decade and a half.

Like any parent, she has put the miles in supporting 28-year-old all-rounder Rob, who has been playing for the county for the last 16 years and England for the last nine.

The family home backs onto Stamford Bridge CC near York, where Rob plays in the second team and where his sister Louise scores. In fact, Louise has now started scoring for the county’s disabled sides.

“I don’t think some people realise how much they can develop through playing cricket,” says Susan.

“It’s not just about the technical skills, it is about the team sport element helping them develop life skills. It’s absolutely huge.

“It teaches team play, sharing, skills which are so vital – especially to those with learning disabilities. It’s also crucial in helping them feel like they belong.”

There are currently two women playing in the Yorkshire disability system – Lucy Taylor and Claire Domville, who both play for the Terriers side.

Obviously, Susan Hewitt would be keen to see more women and girls involved, though her advice is not just limited to females.

“Cricket is a very inclusive sport,” she said. “I just think it’s a sport which fosters such a relaxed environment.

“If players are able to progress and get into Yorkshire and even England squads, for them to be able to go away as a team and learning social skills of being around hotels, mixing with others, it’s huge.

“For the likes of Rob and Alex Jervis, they’ve developed hugely as people. They’ve got jobs. And a lot of that has been through going to cricket.

“Cricket does seem to have more patience than some other sports, and is definitely more family orientated.

“You can take your picnic, and other siblings can be involved given they can run around on the other side of the boundary, play with others, things like that

“There is no doubt that Rob would have had a completely different life if he hadn’t got involved in cricket.”

Related News

View all news

YCCC announce 2025 Academy and Emerging Players' Programme

Yorkshire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce the players selected for the Club’s Academy and the Emerging Players’ Programme (EPP) for 2025.

Read more

Yorkshire Women sign Grace Hall

The new look Yorkshire Women are excited to announce the signing of seam bowler Grace Hall on a two-year contract. 

Read more

Win a Signed Jafer Chohan Shirt!

Win a shirt signed by England Cricket player Jafer Chohan ahead of his debut in the England West Indies ODI series this week!

Read more
An image of Lauren Winfield-Hill and Adil Rashid, with the Yorkshire logo and Northern Diamonds logo in the middle

Sign up to our newsletter

For all the latest news, previews, ticket, membership and Premium Experiences information and more exciting content from Yorkshire Cricket and the Northern Diamonds straight to your inbox, subscribe now.

To view our privacy policy, click here.