Cricket is for everyone—but for a long time, it hasn’t always felt that way. For many girls (and their parents), walking into a cricket club can be intimidating. It’s time to change that.
The good news? Your club has the power to create a space where girls feel welcomed, excited, and confident to give cricket a go. And once they’re through the gate? You want them to stay. Here’s how to create that environment—and get more girls involved in junior cricket at your club.
Let’s be honest: if you want to get more girls playing, it needs to look like something they want to do. Think music, colour, and connection—not just technical drills.
Run girls-only clinics that focus on fun and friendship, not just skills. Here’s an idea that works a treat:
Girls Only Program
The key here? Make it social, make it relaxed, and make it feel like something they want to be part of.
There’s something pretty special about parents playing side-by-side with their daughters. Hosting a Girls & Parents cricket day helps girls feel safe, supported and proud—and gives parents a better appreciation of the game too.
Finish with a sausage sizzle and you’ve got the makings of a tradition families will talk about long after.
Not every moment has to be about the bat and ball. Including creative elements throughout the season can make girls feel more at home at the club.
Ideas:
These little touches show girls that their creativity is just as welcome as their cricket skills.
Here’s a big one: don’t split them up. It might feel natural to separate friends to build confidence—but that often backfires.
Girls are more likely to return week after week if they’ve got a friend by their side. Let them stay paired up for drills and teams. As their confidence grows, so will their willingness to branch out.
Over the years of coaching, one pattern is clear to me: boys and girls often learn differently.
Most boys tend to “monkey see, monkey do”—they watch, copy, and figure it out on the go.
Girls often prefer step-by-step instructions. They want to understand before they act. They ask more questions. They value feedback and encouragement over competition.
Keep this in mind when coaching. Take a moment to explain, demonstrate, and check in. It makes a world of difference.
This is non-negotiable.
When girls see a female coach, they see a version of themselves. They see possibility. They feel safer to ask questions, raise their hand, and try again after a mistake.
You don’t need to have an all-female coaching crew—but you do need at least one visible woman they can connect with. Whether it’s a coach, manager, or club coordinator—representation matters.
If you don’t have one yet, actively recruit. You may be surprised how many mums (and women in your community) would be open to helping—especially with the right support.
You’d be shocked how many clubs still don’t have designated female changerooms or toilets.
If you want girls to feel valued, this has to be fixed.
If building a changeroom isn’t immediately possible, even small touches help:
The message is clear: we see you, we respect you, and you belong here.
Getting more girls into cricket isn’t about having the flashiest gear or the fanciest club. It’s about creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where girls feel seen, heard and valued.
When a girl walks into your club, she should feel like she’s part of something bigger. Something fun. Something kind. Something she’ll want to return to year after year.
That’s how you grow the game—for girls, for families, for the future of cricket.
