Ladies cricket club scores funding boost from Wessex region
05 September 2022
A ladies cricket team in the North Gloucestershire Cotswolds has been handed a funding boost by a leading housebuilder.
Moreton-in-Marsh Ladies Cricket Team has been awarded £1,000 after being selected by Persimmon Homes Wessex as one of its monthly Community Champions.
The team is in its first year and was formed with the aim of encouraging local women and girls to try a new sport - one which is traditionally male - and improve both their physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
Over the summer the club has recruited over 15 members, ranging from 13 to over 60 years’ old, and competes in league games across Gloucestershire.
The funding will be used to purchase club-branded women’s playing and training kit, and new equipment such as bats, helmets, pads and gloves.
The support has been made through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme which has handed out more than £5m to good causes across Great Britain since its launch, and donates up to £64,000 across the country every month.
Madi Pavey-Edwards, captain of Moreton-in-Marsh Ladies Cricket Team said:
“This is the first full season for Moreton-in-Marsh ladies team, and it’s proved a resounding success.
“Our goal this year has been all about participation - attracting new members and providing opportunities for everyone to take part in this brilliant sport and have fun.
“We’ve built a squad of over 15 members, ranging from 13 to over 60 years’ old, and the club provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for players at all levels.
“Next year we want to continue our progression by purchasing our own club-branded women’s playing and training kit, together with new equipment such as bats, helmets, pads and gloves.
“Persimmon’s generous donation will make a huge difference in helping us achieve this aim and progress our exciting cricketing journey; we are extremely grateful for their support.”
Wessex Sales Director, Pauline Fletcher, said:
“Moreton-in-Marsh Cricket Club displayed all the qualities that make a perfect Community Champion.
“The club is making great strides on and off the field, and we are proud to be associated with such an inclusive and welcoming organisation.
“Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative donates up to £64,000 to groups across Great Britain every month, to help support people and communities, break down barriers and increase opportunity for all.
“The ladies team in Moreton-in-Marsh has had a fantastic formative year and we hope this donation will allow the team to continue its development in the years to come.”
Moreton-in-Marsh ladies team will also be undertaking a sponsored 'bat-a-thon' in September (an eight-hour batting relay in the practice nets) to raise a target of £500 for additional training equipment.
