This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible women and girls who are shaping the future of cricket at Rushden & Higham Town Cricket Club.

In this special year, our 150th anniversary, it feels particularly fitting that women are playing such a central role in the club’s present and future. We are fortunate to be led by Penny Van Spall, our President and Lisa Hodges, our club Chair, whose leadership reflects our commitment to making cricket welcoming, inclusive and forward-thinking.

Across the club, women are helping the game grow. Our female activator will deliver the ever-popular ECB national programme, All Stars, introducing more children to cricket and inspiring the next generation to pick up a bat and ball for the very first time.

One of the most exciting developments has been the growth of our girls’ section, which continues to go from strength to strength. This season we are delighted that our trailblazing girls will be playing in the Northamptonshire Cricket Board Under 11 Girls' Softball League. Additionally, the club will be hosting a girls’ cricket tournament, giving young players the opportunity to compete, develop their skills and celebrate the game together.

We are also proud to be building on the momentum created last season when the club was awarded a Metro Bank Women & Girls in Cricket Fund grant. Alongside financial support from the Rock Foundation for girls’ youth cricket and Northamptonshire Sport, we are investing in developing more qualified coaches to ensure even more girls can access high-quality cricket opportunities.

As we celebrate 150 years of Rushden & Higham Town Cricket Club, we are equally excited about the future, a future where women and girls are at the heart of our club and our game.

Here’s to the players, volunteers, coaches and leaders who are helping cricket thrive.
Here’s to the next generation of girls stepping onto the field.
And here’s to many more years of cricket for everyone.