Former England Women Assistant Coach Alastair Maiden has been named as the first Head Coach of Bears Women.
Dudley-born Maiden – who won the ICC World Cup with England Women in 2017 – joins on 1 November and will take charge of Bears Women’s inaugural season in 2025.
The 41-year-old arrives from Yorkshire CCC where he’s been Batting Coach for more than two years.
He’s previously overseen the Academy and Talent Pathway at Leicestershire CCC, where he brought through England spinner Rehan Ahmed, and most recently Assistant Coach of London Spirit Women in The Hundred.
“I’m hugely excited to be joining Bears Women at the start,” said Maiden. “I’ve spoken to several people at the Club and it’s clear they’re passionate about women’s cricket, forming a successful side, and encouraging more women and girls into the sport.
“I’ve had various coaching and Head Coach roles and been looking for an opportunity to get back into women’s cricket. I put my name in the hat for this job very early on.
“Some of the game’s most exciting young talent have already signed contracts with Bears Women and I hope to be able to help them realise their potential and get to the very top of the game.”
Maiden worked with Bears bowler Katie George – who has seven England caps – during his time with England Women and also encountered a young Hannah Baker who would occasionally net with the senior side.
He added: “I know Katie well and what she can do. She was an exciting talent, been unlucky with injuries, but on her day is among the best in the country. Hannah Baker used to come and bowl in the nets back then as a young England prospect.
“I want to try and retain young talent that has progressed through Warwickshire and West Midlands regional pathways and academies.
“I’ll be getting my head around the squad – what we can do to help our players improve ahead of next season – and what players we’d like to bring in to help us have a successful first season.
“I always like my teams to play positively. To play free, expressive cricket, and encourage match-winning contributions. I can’t wait to get started.”
Bears Head of Women’s Cricket Laura MacLeod described Maiden as an impressive coach with a strong record of developing female domestic and international players.
She said: “I’m sure Ali will thrive in this leadership role. He’ll bring energy, clear direction and drive the Bears value set. Throughout the interview process Ali demonstrated his ability to lead and collaborate to deliver a best-in-class programme
“The next few months will be about introducing Ali to the Club, the new Bears players and staff, and working together to take the women’s game to the next level.
“Ali was one of several high quality candidates. It was a rigorous process and I believe we’ve found the right person to take Bears Women forward in this exciting new era for the sport.”
Bears Women are one of eight Tier 1 sides that will play in a revamped national structure from 2025 as part of the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) multi-million-pound plan to expand women’s cricket.
To find out more and register your interest in Bears Women visit Bears Women page.
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
