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Led by captain, Charlotte Edwards and Head Coach, Mark Robinson, the England women’s cricket team has helped to run a coaching session for young girls from across the Hammanskraal and Soshanguve townships at the Nelson Mandela Sports Complex today (Wednesday 10th February).
Taking a break from preparations for their second One-Day International (ODI) match against South Africa on Friday (12th February), the players assisted local area coaches to run fielding drills and a net session for over 40 girls from the region, which is 30 miles north of Pretoria.
Speaking at the ground, England women’s captain, Charlotte Edwards, said: “We have all really enjoyed the event today. Cricket, and sport in general, has the power to transcend boundaries and unite people from all backgrounds, and it has been a hugely rewarding experience to help coach the young girls from the Hammanskraal and Soshanguve townships today.
“As a team, one of our primary motivators is that we love “smashing boundaries” – both on and off the field – and today’s session fits perfectly within this message.
“We want to spread our love of cricket as far and wide as possible, and I hope that the girls involved enjoyed themselves as much as we loved helping out.
“Thank you to everyone at Hammanskraal Cricket Club for hosting us and to the British High Commission and Northerns Cricket Union for organising the visit.
“As a team, we will all take a lot away from the day.”
Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa, Peter Boxer, who was also present at the event, added: “I am delighted to support the England women’s team here in Hammanskraal today – it is excellent that they have been able to run this coaching clinic for girls from Hammanskraal and Soshanguve townships.
“The session today follows on from the England men’s team outreach event in Mamelodi last month.
“Both sessions have offered the chance for the teams to meet young girls and boys from the local community, helping them with their cricket skills as well as supporting the development of the game and wider opportunities at grassroots level”.
England women will next be in action when they take on South Africa in the second ODI of their three-match series on Friday 12th February at SuperSportPark in Centurion.
Source: ECB