The new Scottish Womens’ Cricket Association (SWCA) has been launched today with the objective of increasing female participation in the sport by 150% by 2017. Women's cricket is currently one of the fastest growing sports in Scotland with hundreds of girls taking up the junior, Kwik Cricket game each year.
As part of responding to the challenge of creating a lasting legacy from this summer's Commonwealth Games, the nation's sporting governing bodies and Scottish Government have both called for an increase in female participation in sport to fight female obesity and the related health problems.
Cricket Scotland believes it has an important role to play in working with schools, clubs and communities to ensure that there are many more opportunities to play cricket across the country and to build on the huge increase in interest in primary schools.
The board of trustees of the new SWCA will bring together people from sport, business and politics, whose specific focus will be to increase funding, develop new training opportunities and support local communities where, previously, there have been restricted facilities for the game.
The first President of the SWCA, will be Liz Smith MSP, who is a former international player and continues to have many connections with the sport.
Liz Smith said:
“Women’s cricket is now one of the fastest growing sports in Scotland and, as well as the strength of the league and cup structures, it is particularly pleasing to see the numbers of primary school girls who are now taking part in a wide range of kwik cricket activities across the country. There is some real talent out there which will give their male counterparts a run for their money. The growth at this level is a sure sign that women’s cricket in Scotland has a very bright future. It is an honour to be asked to become the President of the Scottish Women’s Cricket Association and I very much look forward to working with Kari Carswell and her very dedicated team at Cricket Scotland who have, in recent years, done so much to enhance the women’s game.”
Roddy Smith, chief executive of Cricket Scotland said:
“Cricket Scotland fully supports the SWCA and we will work closely together. It will be a proactive and influential body and will further develop the girls’ and women’s game across Scotland bringing improved structures and opportunities at both beginner and international level.”
The International Cricket Council has also expressed support for the new organization. Mary Godbeer comments:
“ICC Europe supports the formation of the Scottish Women’s Cricket Association (SWCA) and is excited by the prospects of women’s cricket developing even further in Scotland. In partnership with Cricket Scotland, the SWCA promises to promote and support girls and women’s cricket in the country, from grass roots to the global stage.”