Disability Cricket has gone from strength to strength in Middlesex over the last few years, and a big part of that success is down to local Disability Champion Clubs. We spoke to one of the first Champion Clubs, Headstone Manor CC, based in Harrow.
The Disability Cricket Champion Club Programme supports cricket clubs with guidance, resources, and equipment, enabling them to welcome individuals with additional needs and varying abilities to support them to play, follow, officiate, and volunteer. This creates a truly equitable club game and provides fantastic new opportunities for cricketers and for Champion Clubs.
How has being a Disability Champion Club benefited Headstone Manor CC?
Headstone Manor’s disability programme was designed by their experienced coaches and works on introducing cricketers with a disability to hard-ball cricket. The club has embraced the opportunities that have come with being a Champion Club, including welcoming new members from the local community. Over the years, seven players have gone through the club’s youth system into the Middlesex Disability Team – including current Super 9s player Dylan Patel.
What else happens at Headstone Manor CC?
The Club includes senior, junior and disability sections throughout the year. Headstone Manor run four open age teams on Saturdays, and two further teams on Sundays. In the Junior section, there are teams in MJCA leagues for boys and girls in the Under 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15 age groups.
As a club, they are committed to growing organically, so invest and focus heavily on the junior section. This is now bearing fruit with the fact that the 1st XI comprises exclusively of players who have come through the junior section and have been with the club for many years. With a friendly, family atmosphere at the RCT Ground in Hatch End, it’s clear that once members join, they never want to leave!
What next?
If your club is interested in becoming a Disability Champion Club, further information is available on our website. You can also email Middlesex Cricket’s Head of Disability Cricket Michael Wilson or speak to your local Middlesex Cricket area manager.
We would like to thank the team at Headstone Manor CC for their contribution, and their excellent work with their Disability section! You can find more information about the club on their website.
