The Somerset Cricket Board is always striving to ensure everyone has access to cricket. A key part of this goal is to offer coaching and competition opportunities to all school pupils and to help us achieve this we are launching a cricket competition calendar for Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools and departments across Somerset. There are three different formats of the game that are on offer; Table Cricket, Indoor Cricket and Outdoor Cricket.
“Played on a table tennis table (or similar surface) with side panels and sliding fielders, a ball launcher, weighted plastic ball and wooden bat, Table Cricket enables young people with severe physical or learning disabilities to enjoy cricket and represent their school on a competitive basis.” [Lords Taverners]. Whilst designed for those with severe disabilities this format of the game is fully inclusive and can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages and abilities. The Somerset Cricket Board are running school sessions in the Spring of 2017, with a School's Final to held in partnership with the Gloucestershire Cricket Board on Friday 17th March 2017 at UWE.
“This fast-paced, action-packed version of the game is growing rapidly, and it’s easy for anyone and everyone to join in.” [ECB]. The indoor format is proving very popular with club cricketers, recreational teams and school pupils alike. With team sizes as small as just six players and a soft ball used many traditional barriers to the sport are taken down. This is a perfect game for those who are new to the sport, or more competent players looking to continue to play in the winter months. The Somerset Cricket Board would once again deliver coaching and preliminary knock-out rounds in January and February 2015 with a County Final held at the County Cricket Ground in March.
"Amongst the major sports, cricket is, perhaps uniquely placed in the width and depth of opportunities it presents for participation by people who have disabilities. It is a game that can be enjoyed at all levels of ability, from school team to England team. It provides participants with the chance to develop their cricket skills and techniques to as high a level as their ability allows.” [British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities]. Similarly to the indoor format the outdoor game can be adjusted to ensure equal playing opportunities for schools and individuals alike, with team sizes and other rules altered to ensure a fair and enjoyable game of cricket. Throughout the summer term the Somerset Cricket Board will be providing SEN schools and departments the opportunity to play competitive cricket.
For more information on any of the formats or if you wish to express the interest of your school, please contact Youth Development Manager Scott Chappell (firstname.lastname@example.org or 01823 425329). To enable the Somerset Cricket Board to continue to improve the way that we work with all schools in Somerset, each school is therefore asked to affiliate to the Cricket Board, at a cost of just £25. To complete the affiliation process, please click here, or alternatively please contact Scott Chappell to arrange an invoice for the school.