The date is now set for Bears Women to make their competitive debut – and the players are already counting down the days till they wear the Bear & Ragged Staff for the first time.
Bears Women will open their historic 2025 campaign on 23 April in the Metro Bank One Day Cup against Hampshire Women at Edgbaston.
Their 15-player squad – 12 of whom signed from former regional women’s side Central Sparks, alongside three new faces – have settled into pre-season training and are laser focused on that landmark date on the calendar.
Top order batter Chloe Brewer said the group are pushing each other hard every day.
“We’ve got a really good group and everyone is challenging each other to get better in training day after day,” said the 22-year-old.
“Now that we have 23 April as Bears Women Day One, it’s focused attention even more. We know what we’re aiming for.
“It’s exciting! It’ll be delightful to get out there for our first game, hopefully in front of a decent crowd. We’re all feel privileged to be playing for the Bears at Edgbaston. You can’t beat playing at Edgbaston; we’re fortunate to call this great stadium our home.
“The new dressing rooms and high performance centre is incredible. The facilities are top class and we couldn’t ask for anything more as part of our preparation.”
And the opening round match will be extra special for teammate Millie Taylor (pic above)…as he sister Mary is in the visiting Hampshire squad.
Sussex-born Taylor, aged 19, is one of the squad’s new faces having signed from Southern Vipers Academy where she was one of the team’s leading wicket takers.
She said: ““I’ve not spoken to her about it yet. There’s going to be some interesting conversations over the dinner table at Christmas!
“It’s ironic our first game is against them. I’ll always support Mary but, if I get the chance to play, I’ll be going out there with the Bears’ badge on and wanting to get one over on her.
“This is my first full year as a professional. I can’t wait for the season to start. From when we were little we always dreamt of that moment, so it’s going to be amazing.
“The facilities here at Edgbaston and coaching is amazing, we couldn’t ask for more. There’s lots of input from the coaches, 1-2-1 sessions, I’m really enjoying it and feel I’m improving every day.”
Bears Women will fight for trophies on three fronts: Vitality Blast, Metro Bank One Day Cup, and for the first time a knockout competition featuring sides from all three tiers of the national system.
To find out more and register your interest in Bears Women visit Bears Women 2025 – Edgbaston.
Bears Together: 2025 Membership
It’s an historic year for the Club in 2025, as Bears Men and Women will compete side-by-side. Bears together.
Join the journey with Early Bird Memberships on sale now, including 1882 Full Club (all domestic cricket), our new B5 White Ball (T20, 50-Over and The Hundred) and Junior Bears (U16s).