Despite the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, the community team have been active over the summer months and into the autumn.
During the summer, cricket-based talks were given to over 1,100 primary school pupils, while the community team also participated in the SHEP (School Holiday Enrichment Programme) initiative undertaken by Cardiff Council, delivering a series of skill drills and softball play sessions to primary schools.
The re-opening in early October of the National Cricket Centre and the CC4 Museum of Welsh Cricket has led to a very welcome return of supervised school parties to the club's headquarters at Sophia Gardens.
By Christmas it is expected that around 2,500 pupils from primary and secondary schools in the area will have visited the stadium with an extensive programme of visits already in place for 2022.
School visits have also continued with new links being created with Cardiff West Community College with cricket-based talks and softball skills drill sessions being delivered at the College to all of their pupils in Years 7 and 8 – totalling around 500.
Earlier this month, Kiran Carlson visited his old school, Whitchurch High School, along with our community coaching team. Kiran took part in a Q&A with students with the Royal London Cup on display, while the community team later put on cricket sessions with pupils. A similar visit is being planned to Hawthorn Primary School which Kiran also attended.
A number of new projects are also being organised with primary schools for 2022, looking at themes of diversity and inclusion, whilst the half-term holiday camps held in the Indoor School, were also well attended. A new full time school’s officer, Brychan Tudor, has been employed who will be accelerating the community team's work in and with schools.
With the National Cricket Centre now open, coaching sessions are once again available.
If you would like to enjoy a net or a coached 1:1 session contact Ed Smart: ed.smart@glamorgancricket.co.uk