Keeping Fit with Walking Cricket

Our Belief and Purpose

At the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, we believe in using the power of cricket to bring people together, improve wellbeing, and create opportunities that people would not usually have the chance to experience.

Across the county, we run several Walking Cricket hubs, with hubs in Cheltenham, Gloucester Coopers Edge, Cirencester, Tetbury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bristol and our first Women’s only hub in Winchcombe. This programme aims to get bats and balls into more people’s hands up and down the county, including those who may have never experienced cricket before or thought their playing days had been left behind.

Rediscovering the Game

Josh Graves, our Community Engagement Officer, notes how often he hears participants talk about how many years it had been since they last picked up a bat. They often say this with a smile on their face, as their muscle memory kicks in and they knock one for six.

A More Accessible Way to Play

We understand that a love for cricket never truly fades. However, as we get older, the traditional format is not always accessible.

Walking Cricket uses adapted rules to suit the community taking part. It is a slower paced, low impact, and more accessible way to continue playing the game by removing some of the barriers that limit participation.

We use softer equipment, including a fibreglass bat and soft balls. There is no running allowed, although the definition of “running” can sometimes be interpreted in many ways. The relaxed and welcoming environment means that anyone, regardless of experience or ability, can get involved.

Hearing from Our Participants

The best people to explain what Walking Cricket are those who deliver the programme and those who attend. We have created a short video which you can view below, sharing why our participants attend and what keeps them coming back.

One participant explains, “It’s great… everyone together, everyone having fun, everyone having a laugh.”

That sense of enjoyment and togetherness sits at the heart of everything we do.

More Than Just Cricket 

Walking Cricket is not all about scoring runs. It is about trying something new and connecting with people you may not have met in another walk of life. It is about feeling welcome and included, whether you are returning after decades away or have never picked up a bat before. 

Outside of the obvious physical benefits, such as improved mobility and coordination, the programme also creates valuable opportunities for connection. This is vital for mental wellbeing and reducing isolation. 

Participants regularly tell us they come for the cricket but stay for the friendships. 

It is about having something to look forward to each week, a place where everyone feels included, supported, and part of a team. 

Building Stronger Communities 

Through the power of cricket, we are seeing real change across our communities. 

Our Walking Cricket hubs are helping people build confidence, which in turn improves both physical and mental wellbeing. They also help people reconnect with others and provide opportunities to meet new people. For many, it is a chance to feel part of something again, creating a sense of togetherness and belonging. 

These sessions are not just about activity; they are about belonging. 

Get Involved 

If you are interested in getting involved, you can learn more and find your nearest Walking Cricket hub here: 

https://gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org/community/walking-cricket/ 

A warm welcome awaits, and it is never too late to get a bat and ball back in your hands.