Buried in deepest Buckinghamshire, Dinton CC has a history of girls’ cricket similar to that of many small clubs: flashes of success thanks to enthusiastic parents and strong groups of friends.
Now home to a growing, organised girl’s section, they’ve recognised that female coaches bring something distinctive, valuable and worth investing in.
Mike, Dinton’s junior co-ordinator, explains why it is important to have young female coaches like Hannah and Briony who generate an atmosphere that encourages young players of all kinds to join the club.
"The coach that gives a 15–year–old the confidence to stay in the game is of real value, as is the one who can instill a love for the game in the 12–year–old who is struggling to find their place in the world. That’s the kind of thing Hannah and Briony are far more successful at than a failed county pro.
‘Players coming to cricket should be seeing the potential of girls. I want my son to recognise that girls can be incredible players. The traditional image of the men playing and women making the tea is horribly outdated.
‘If we’re going to create a true family atmosphere here then everyone needs to participate. I think it’s really important to have role models, people like Hannah and Briony who are young adults, who provide a great model: they are enthusiastic, they invest time ....."
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