Inclusion Day 2019

Each year in partnership with Somerset County Cricket Club we run an inclusion day to celebrate all our inclusive cricket opportunities across the county.  However, given the popularity of the event over the last few years, the decision was taken to expand the initiative across several days.

The annual event is a way of recognising all the fantastic achievements of those with a disability or additional needs who play cricket in the county and the support that the parents, carers and coaches provide along the way.

The County is proud to boast a very inclusive cricketing programme that offers Table Cricket and Super 1’s through to two very competitive inclusive cricket teams: The Somerset Disabled Cricket Club, formed of players with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities; and the Somerset Visually Impaired Cricket Club.

Day one of the Specsavers County Championship match against Hampshire saw 18 young people involved with Somerset Cricket Board’s Super 1 programme attend and they were given the opportunity to play on the outfield and feel the heat of Jack Brooks’s bowling!  All Super1’s players attended the day as our guests and watched the action from the Family stand. In addition, we also welcomed organisations who have supported inclusive cricket over the past year. These included Somerset County Council’s Short Breaks Programme, Bridgwater & Taunton College, The Swallow Charity, Leonard Cheshire Charity and Bath Rugby Community Foundation.

Day two saw both the Disability and Visually Impaired teams give demonstrations of their cricketing skills on the outfield. They were joined by Assistant and Second Team Coach, Greg Kennis, who took the time to speak with all the players and offer encouragement and advice. Greg also took the challenge to play visually impaired cricket wearing some of the simulation glasses, which reflect the conditions that some of the players experience.

Day three was an opportunity for schools involved with Table Cricket to attend. Cambian College, Lufton attended as our guests and had the opportunity to meet Craig Overton and have their picture taken on the outfield during the lunch interval.