In 2023, Derbyshire Cricket Foundation ran 25 Women’s Softball Festivals, a record amount which attracted a record number of Women and Girls into the game!
For those that don’t know, the below will tell you what our festivals are all about!
This year, all of our festivals were once again sponsored by Chevin Homes. Their support this year has meant that we can provide more opportunities for women and girls across Derbyshire to get involved in cricket this summer!
To enter a festival, all you need to do is find seven other women, form a team and register! It’s that simple! All abilities are welcome, and the equipment will be provided. Team registrations are completely free of charge. These festivals are ideal for clubs who have new players who want to experience cricket in a fun, safe and social environment!
Below is a summary of where all our festivals took place in 2023!
| Date | Venue | ||
| 7th of May | Sandiacre Town CC | ||
| 7th of May | Darley Dale CC | ||
| 7th of May | Riddings CC | ||
| 14th of May | Melbourne Town CC | ||
| 14th of May | Langley Mill Utd CC | ||
| 4th of June | Aston Village CC | ||
| 18th of June | Ashbourne CC | ||
| 18th of June | Holmesfield CC | ||
| 18th of June | Swanwick Hall CC | ||
| 9th of July | South Wingfield CC | ||
| 9th of July | Clowne Town CC | ||
| 9th of July | Chapel-en-le-Frith CC | ||
| 16th of July | West Hallam White Rose CC | ||
| 16th of July | Belper Amateurs CC | ||
| 23rd of July | Elvaston CC | ||
| 30th of July | Alvaston & Boulton CC | ||
| 30th of July | Matlock & Cromford CC | ||
| 13th of August | Derbyshire CCC | ||
| 20th of August | Chesterfield CC | ||
| 20th of August | Long Eaton CC | ||
| 20th of August | Marehay CC | ||
| 3rd of September | Swarkestone CC | ||
| 10th of September | Alfreton CC | ||
| 10th of September | Brailsford & Ednaston CC |
As you can see, a huge number of festivals! This led to an equally huge number of matches played, 340!
A huge thank you to our host clubs, without you and all your hard work, we couldn’t put on the festivals in such numbers! It is much appreciated.
The growth of Women’s Softball Cricket year on year is proving to be fantastic for the game, more and more clubs are seeing huge benefits on and off the field.
Many clubs are seeing Women’s players encouraging more family engagement at the club, retention of Men’s players as well as Women’s players transitioning from playing to volunteering, coaching and even working on club exec committees. All of which is vitally important for the survival of clubs.
The future is bright for the Women’s game, and we believe those clubs who don’t run Women’s cricket in 2024 will be in the minority! Which is a huge contrast to where the game was 3 or 4 years ago.
2023: A Summary
Women’s Softball team participation up by 23% on 2023
625 players involved in festivals
48 clubs in Derbyshire took part
26 festivals
13 different days of cricket
Thanks to all those teams/ clubs and players involved in 2023. Well done for taking part and giving cricket a go. We can’t wait to see you again in 2024!
If you and your club are keen to be involved in 2024, then please get in touch with Charlie via charlie.storr@dcfcricket.com or 07775001003
