Supporting Visually Impaired Cricket in Worcestershire – A New Partnership with The Primary Club

On 16th June, Worcestershire Cricket Foundation hosted a special match at New Old Elizabethans Cricket Club in Perdiswell - a visually impaired cricket fixture against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), made possible thanks to a brand-new partnership with The Primary Club. 

This wasn’t just any game. It marked the first event supported by a £4,000 grant received from The Primary Club to expand the visually impaired cricket delivery across Worcestershire and Dudley. It was a fantastic day of inclusive sport, community spirit and talent on display.

The annual fixture against the MCC is always a highlight of the calendar but this year’s match carried extra meaning. With players of all ages and abilities taking to the pitch, the atmosphere was one of excitement and unity. Families, friends and supporters came together to cheer on the players, who showed remarkable skill, determination and teamwork throughout. 

Whether it was the sound of the ball rattling off the bat, the cheers from teammates or the energy of players giving it their all - the day captured everything visually impaired cricket stands for. 

The event was made possible thanks to The Primary Club, a long-standing charity dedicated to supporting sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Through their grant of £4,000, Worcestershire Cricket Foundation can now continue expanding the reach and accessibility of visually impaired cricket across the region. 

This funding means more coaching, more equipment and more opportunities for people who are blind or partially sighted to engage with cricket in a meaningful and enjoyable way. It also allows the foundation to reach schools, community groups and individuals who may never have considered cricket as an option before. 

"At Worcestershire Cricket Foundation, we believe cricket should be for everyone. Visually impaired cricket provides a platform for players to develop skills, build confidence and experience the joys of the game in a safe and supportive environment. The rules are adapted, the ball is audible and every player is empowered to shine." explained Billy Clark, Executive Director of Worcestershire Cricket Foundation. 

"We’ve seen first-hand the impact it can have - friendships built, confidence boosted and a sense of belonging that goes beyond the boundary line. We’re proud to have The Primary Club’s backing and grateful that they’ve chosen to support our vision for a more inclusive cricket community. For us, this is just the beginning of what is to come."  

This match is only the beginning. Thanks to the new funding, the foundation are looking forward to increasing the number of sessions and participants involved in visually impaired cricket. Whether you’re a school, a local club or an individual interested in getting involved. There will be more fixtures, more outreach and more chances for the community to experience the joy and inclusivity of this format of the game. 

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Editors notes

The Worcestershire Cricket Foundation is striving to achieve #CricketForAll. It creates opportunities for everyone in the community to get involved. Schemes like the MEGAFEST, Super 1s and Walking cricket are just a few examples of what the foundation has to offer for the community.

Home - Worcestershire Cricket Foundation

To learn more about The Primary Club and the brilliant work they do, visit: https://www.primaryclub.org/