Wakefield cricket club gets grant on International Women's Day
A women’s cricket team has been awarded a grant.
Altofts Women and Girls’ Cricket Team, based at Altofts Cricket Club, has received a £6,000 grant from Wakefield Council.
Vice-chair Joanne Walsh said: “We are delighted to receive support from our local district councillors. A grant like this makes a big difference to a small club like ours.”
The funding has provided the team with a training kit, training equipment and a contribution towards the provision of an artificial wicket.
It will give the team access to year-round training.
Councillors Josie Pritchard, Jo Hepworth and Jacquie Speight said: “Altofts Cricket Club has been offering cricketing opportunities for village residents and beyond for over 130 years, and as an all-female ward councillor team, we take special pleasure in supporting another female team. We’ll definitely be cheering them on in the forthcoming season.”
Altofts was the first club in the Wakefield district to develop a women’s and girls’ softball cricket team in 2025, playing in the West Yorkshire Women and Girls Cricket League.
The team finished second in their division in their first season and just missed out on promotion by two points.
Following its successful season, the team celebrated top performers, including 1st XI Bowler of the Year, Joanne Walsh, Batter of the Year Sophie Scaife, and Players’ Player, Vicky Dunhill.
Training takes place on Wednesday nights at Kettlethorpe High School and will move outdoors to Lock Lane, Altofts, in April.
Anyone over 14 can contact Sophie on 07545 353800 for more information.
The club also offers a range of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.