The National Schools cricket finals are taking place this week at Stirling County Cricket Club and the Doo’cot Cricket Club, Perth. Competition has been intense with record numbers taking part in the junior game across the length and breadth of Scotland. In particular, many more girls are participating in the sport thanks to the growth in kwik cricket in primary schools.
Liz Smith MSP, who is the President of the Scottish Women’s Cricket Association, said:
“This week, we have seen some fantastic cricket matches taking place in Stirling and Perth, but best of all, we have seen a growth in participation over the course of the last year and we have also seen a very encouraging rise in the numbers of senior players who are committed to providing coaching assistance. This can only be good for the game and, at a time when the Scottish Government is developing a youth sports strategy, it means cricket can play a very positive part in improving young people’s health and in developing their self-confidence and leadership skills.
Cricket Scotland is to be warmly congratulated on its efforts to make youth cricket more available in clubs in schools and to extending opportunities for competition. I am sure I am not alone in believing that we will be celebrating further success next season.”