Altofts cricket team boosted by grant award
Altofts Women and Girls’ Cricket Team, based at Altofts Cricket Club, is delighted to have received financial support from District Councillors in the form of a grant for over £6,000.
Joanne Walsh, Vice Chair, 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 both a training kit, training equipment and a contribution towards the provision of an artificial wicket. This will give the team vital access to training throughout the year.
Altofts was the first club in Wakefield District to have developed a women and girls’ softball cricket team in 2025, playing in the West Yorkshire Women and Girls Cricket League.
The team’s inaugural season saw it finish second in their division and just missing 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.
Ward 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 Cricket Club is a vibrant, community and family club at the heart of Altofts village and is run entirely by local volunteers.
Training takes place on a Wednesday night at Kettlethorpe High School and will move outdoors in April to Lock Lane, Altofts.
New members, aged 14 years-old and above, of all experience and ability levels are always welcome at the club. Contact Sophie on 07545 353800 for more information.
The club also offers a range of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities for anyone interested.