Mersey Rose Cricket Club are welcoming newcomers to their indoor training sessions as the winter season approaches.
The Wavertree based cricket club run ongoing campaigns to promote diversity, including age, religion and the LGBTQ+ community. Their hard work has proved a success and created a safe space for people who struggle to be themselves.
The club has had a positive response to their latest project that is encouraging people to train indoors during the cold winter months.
Club spokesperson Andi Page said: “The new season starts for most of us around mid-April and you don’t want to go into it feeling under prepared.
“At many clubs, the winter training can be just a few weeks of intensity before the season kicks off, but we want it to be something different.’’
Their aim is to maintain a diverse community. Refusing to turn any potential new players away, Mersey Rose are determined to keep something going all year round, so any newcomers aren’t disappointed even if it’s in winter.
Page said: “If we’re saying, ‘come back at the end of February,’ realistically that isn’t going to happen. And let’s not forget, we’re targeting people who may be completely new to cricket or haven’t played for quite a while.
“We are a club that is focused on being a supportive community for LGBTQ+, over-60’s, people who may be disabled or have mental health issues.
“During the season we aren’t just playing cricket, we’re bringing people together and, in many cases, helping people do something positive for their own health and helping them feel a sense of belonging.
“We don’t see any reason this should stop just because it’s got a bit cold and dark in the evenings.’’
As their indoor training promotes an option of softballs for those with a disability, Page is proud to recognise that this new project brings diverse communities together.
He said: “The softball team is focused more on disabled people as well as people completely new to the game and potentially older people.’’
The training has been held three times already this month and Mersey Rose have welcomed more newcomers with open arms.
Said Page: “We’re only a few weeks in. But already attendance has been 100% over last year, so that’s a positive start.
“It’s useful for new players working on developing particular skills.
“Most importantly, there is already a sense of purpose and togetherness in these sessions, which really bodes well for the next few months.’’
To find out more about Mersey Rose and winter training visit their website HERE
