WORLD CUP LEGACY : EAST MIDLANDS
With two World Cup venues and 15 matches , the region is primed to make the most of a once in a generation celebration of cricket .
The Women ’ s World Cup presents a fantastic opportunity to harness the potential of Cricket Unleashed ’ s central themes – More Play , Great Teams and Inspired Fans .
Since February , the regional team in the East Midlands has been formulating plans to harness the legacy opportunities presented by the tournament . Bristol , Taunton and Lord ’ s have been developing their plans as hosts .
Derbyshire and Leicestershire are the region ’ s hosts , with their 15 games including the beginning of England ’ s campaign on 24 June against India at Derby , a match that ’ s already sold out !
In partnership with their respective city council , county club , cricket board and the ICC , Derby ( 23 June ) and Leicester ( 26 June ) will host events to raise people ’ s awareness about the global competition on their doorsteps .
Over the next two years the region will focus its efforts on making cricket more inclusive , accessible and inspiring to women and girls through innovative playing opportunities and growing relations throughout the community .
The appointment of a Women and Girls Legacy Officer demonstrates the region ’ s commitment to implementing its plans . Jack Arnold , the region ’ s Growth Executive , outlined the impact this role will make .
‘ The Legacy Officer will be liaising with the two hosts , working across the community and commercial sectors to identify new ways of growing the game .
‘ It ’ s vital we use the World Cup as a tool to engage with new players and coaches , as well as celebrate and advocate the role of women in sport ,’ Jack explained .
Growth and retention will be targeted through development and implementation of a plan in conjunction with Nottinghamshire , Leicestershire , Lincolnshire , Derbyshire and Northamptonshire , and the region ’ s Kia Super League women ’ s team , Loughborough Lightning .
The region ’ s plan includes the following objectives :
• Increase the number of women and girls accessing cricket – related activity
• Increase the number of women ’ s and girls ’ teams
• Positively change perceptions of women ’ s and girls ’ cricket
• Increase the number of female volunteers
• Connect the counties ’ existing and future plans to the legacy programme
• Increase the number of women and girls attending World Cup fixtures .
After the staging of three women ’ s coaching conferences , one element of their strategy is to focus on coach development
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