We have now had 4 winners of the ‘Audrey Collins Soroptimist International U13 Girls Cricket League’. This competition is sponsored by the St Albans Soroptimists as a lasting legacy to past member Audrey Collins who died in 2010*
On Monday 10 Nov the Club welcomed cricket coaches, managers, players and parents to give an update and to celebrate the development of girls’ cricket in the county. Presenters were Phil Lewin from Abbots Langley Cricket Club (representing the 2014 winners), Jonathan Cirkel from Knebworth Park CC (representing the 2013 winners) and Andy Knill-Jones from St Albans CC (Audrey Collins SI League Co-ordinator and Girls Coach). Andy said that he believed the League and competition had been a catalyst for the girls’ cricket. A particular highlight were the excellent presentations by Lucy and Evie from Abbots Langley CC – both are wonderful role models for the game. From the presentations and the Q & A afterwards we heard how playing competitive cricket had helped the girls’ personal development as well as developing their cricketing skills i.e. confidence, teamwork, focus and social skills. We also heard how our sponsorship of the all girls coaching programme across Herts/Beds/Cambs will be running at the end of this year, and next year – female coaches develop life skills in the process, and provide role models for sporting excellence.
It is great to know that girls’ cricket is a national priority and that we have been able to assist in its development in Hertfordshire. We feel sure that Audrey would be very proud.
After the talks everyone celebrated with refreshments and delicious cupcakes. The girls are pictured above with their Managers/Coaches, and some of the girls are pictured with Club President Denise who was passing round cupcakes.
*Audrey Collins was an inspirational Soroptimist – a pioneer of Women’s cricket and a trail blazer for women. She received an OBE for services to women’s cricket and was one of the first 10 female members admitted by the MCC in 1999. For more information see: https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/about-our-club/our-inspirational-members-past-and-present/audrey-collins-obe-1915-2010
Here are the news items on the Club website about the 4 years of the ‘Audrey Collins Soroptimist International U13 Girls Cricket League’:
https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/2014/cricket-2014
https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/203/knebworth-win-soroptimist-girls-cricket-league/
https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/2012/harpenden-under-13s-%e2%80%93-winners-of-the-soroptimist-audrey-collins-girls-hertfordshire-cricket-league/
https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/2012/soroptimists-girls-cricket-award/