For the second year in a row, up to 1000 schoolchildren from Birmingham and Warwickshire turned Edgbaston Stadium into their classroom for the day, gathering to support Central Sparks.
Students from 43 primary and secondary schools were invited to the stadium to watch some of the country’s best women cricketers play.
England star Amy Jones was in the Sparks’ line-up who took on The Blaze in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition.
The day is part of Warwickshire Cricket Foundation’s drive to further raise the profile of women’s cricket, inspire future generations of crickets, and to promote physical and mental health through sport.
Ms Mortimer-Lane, Assistant Head of Physical Education at Edgbaston High School for Girls, said: “Today was a great reward for our girl’s hard work this year. We invited a range of age groups to attend the Central Sparks game.”
“We recently transitioned from softball to hardball cricket, so this has been a fantastic chance for our girls to watch the best female cricketers compete in a T20 game.”
The game concluded with a post-game Q&A session featuring Central Sparks cricketers Ria Fackrell, Davina Perrin, and Katie George.
For three girls, Sans, Hafsa, and Millie, it was an inspiring end to the day as they were able to meet and quiz their role models.
Sans, said: “I’ve really enjoyed seeing all of the huge hits from the batters, and the game being so close is very exciting to watch near the end.”
Millie, said: “My favourite player is Katie George, so being able to ask her questions about her role in the squad will help me better understand my role when I play cricket.”
Millie plays club cricket for Harborne Cricket Club and has participated in the Girls Development Centre Programme. Over the winter, she has worked extremely hard and progressed into the county pathway system.
Thanks to all the schools, teachers and students who attended. We’re already looking forwards to next year!