Cricket in York is helping people with learning disabilities

The idea, created in partnership between Lord's Taverners (the UK's leading youth cricket and disability sports charity), and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, will be led by a qualified cricket coach. Players from York Pythons and Lancashire super 1s cricket HUB will battle it out to raise funds to provide activities for children, young people and their families.

William, 19, who has Down’s Syndrome and is nonverbal, will be one of many young people taking part in the event. The York Super 1s provides him with the opportunity to meet, spend time and participate fully with friends he wouldn't otherwise see.

His mother Carol has praised the inclusive sport campaign. She said: “The sessions are an important part of his life. William has fun and it makes him happy. He loves the competitive element and is now looking forward to the future playing with his team and improving his cricketing skills. As a parent it feels good to watch your child join in with others in something which is not only beneficial to their health and wellbeing but is also something which is fun and gives them great joy.”

The Unity of the Roses SUPER 1S session will be held at the York St John University sports campus on Haxby Rd from 9.30AM to 1.30PM. All participants will engage in a cricket skills session that will be led from our York SUPER 1S HUB coach which will include games to include batting, fielding and bowling before competing in 2-3 games of soft ball cricket matches.

Martin Bond, YSJActive Development Officer at York St John University, said: “I passionately believe that sport can play an integral role in improving physical and mental well-being, and this should be accessible by all. It’s going to be a great day and we will also welcome the Yorkshire diamonds women’s team during the proceedings to take pictures with the players.”

For further information, please email Martin Bond on m.bond@yorksj.ac.uk. York St John University host York Pythons on Saturday mornings between 1015-1145. The free of charge cricket sessions have been primarily designed for people aged 12+ with learning disabilities from the local community with the support from student volunteers.