IWD Walking Cricket Event a big hit

Sussex Cricket Foundation Celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 with Walking Cricket Event 

Twenty women from across Sussex came together on International Women’s Day (Saturday 8th May) to take part in an exciting female-only Walking Cricket event at the Aeroton Indoor School. The gathering, organized by the Sussex Cricket Foundation, welcomed participants aged 40 and over for a day of sport, celebration, and community in honour of this year’s global theme, “Accelerate Action.” 

Walking Cricket, a low-impact version of the game where players walk rather than run between wickets, proved the perfect introduction to the sport. Of the 20 attendees, over half had never played cricket before, while others brought experience from different walking sports like football or netball. 

Divided into three teams - named after Sussex Women’s stars who’ve represented England, “Connor’s Crusaders” (after Clare Connor), “Taylor’s Titans” (after Sarah Taylor), and “Colvin’s Cobras” (after Holly Colvin) - the women competed in a lively round-robin tournament. 

The event adopted a pairs cricket format, ensuring everyone had a chance to bat, bowl, wicket-keep, and field. With Foundation coaches guiding the newcomers through the basics. 

Lara Johnson, Cricket Development Officer for the Foundation, led the event and was delighted at its success. “Walking Cricket has been quickly gaining momentum in recent years with groups now running all around Sussex,” she said. “It’s fantastic, but we would really love to see more women getting involved. International Women’s Day seemed the perfect opportunity to gather a group of women, to celebrate themselves and each other, while experiencing something new. Everyone loved it, so we really hope this will provide a springboard for more female participation and possibly some women’s Walking Cricket groups in the near future.” 

For many, it was a first taste of cricket - and a memorable one. "Who knew that a group of walking footballers would have so much fun learning to play walking cricket" said Barbara Johnson-Jama. "It's true what a lot of us say - ' You never know until you try'. I had lots of fun batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping and would dearly love to go back and practice more. Our hosts were the most engaging, helping us learn whilst explaining the rules and umpiring us through the matches with gentle ease." 

With over half the group new to cricket, the event showcased the sport’s potential to draw in fresh faces. As the sport continues to grow women’s cricket, this Sussex celebration highlighted how Walking Cricket could be a game-changer for female participation in the older generations. 

With plans for future sessions, International Women’s Day 2025 may well mark the start of a new chapter for women’s Walking Cricket in Sussex - one where “Connor’s Crusaders,” “Taylor’s Titans,” and “Colvin’s Cobras” inspire more to join the fun. 

Ready to start playing? Sussex Cricket is calling on women across the county to get involved in Walking Cricket. You can find out more about the Walking Cricket clubs across the county at sussexcricket.co.uk/walking-cricket or register your interest by contacting ayscha.woods@sussexcricket.co.uk and be part of the growing movement—whether you’re a newbie or experienced player, there’s a spot for everyone.