How long has BLCC been going?

Bradford Ladies Cricket Club has been established since the 1920s, when many of the mills in Bradford had women’s cricket teams.

Who can play?

Any girls or women from the age of 13 can play in matches, there’s no upper age limit! Exceptions can be made for younger girls dependent on ability, and anyone can come to practice.

We have two open age teams. The 1st XI, which plays in the Northern Division 1 and the 2nd XI which plays in the White Rose League. Girls under 13 should also get in touch so that we can let you know about the coaching and development programmes that are available.

Where are we based?

Our home ground is Thornton Cricket Club, Hill Top Road, Thornton, Bradford. Show me a Map

What will it cost?

We try to keep costs to a minimum. The following fees cover everything from club equipment (bats, balls, helmets etc.) to officials, ground hire and petrol, so we ask that subs are paid before the first match of the season. You are not eligible to play if you haven't paid annual subs.

• Annual subscription: Seniors - £30.00, Juniors and unwaged - £20.00
(If you join the club after June annual subs are £15.00 for everyone)
• Match Fees: Seniors - £3.00, Juniors and unwaged - £2.00

What will I need?

To play in a match you will need cricket whites, (shirt, trousers and jumper) and cricket boots eventually. The club can provide all other equipment.

Team shirts, caps and tracksuits with the club badge are available.

As we play with a hard ball, all under 18s are required to wear a helmet when batting or wicket keeping but these can also be provided by the club.

When do we play?

Most fixtures are 40 over games played on a Sunday afternoon with occasional Saturdays.

Practice night is Friday at Thornton CC from 6:30 onwards during the summer. Selection takes place after practice for the match the following week and captains need to know a player’s availability by the Wednesday before a match at the latest.

Who do we play?

Northern Division 1: Southport, Chorley, and Pool, home and away. The winners play off against the top team from the Midlands League.

White Rose League: Anston, Beverley, Leeds University, Pannal, Treeton, and York, home and away.

We also play in the National Cup Knockout competition and have several friendly fixtures during the season so that everyone gets a game.

What’s the standard like?

The standard of cricket varies quite a bit from league to league.

Northern Division 1 – Contains many county seniors, juniors and good club players.

White Rose League – New teams with a mixture of abilities, the emphasis is on gaining experience for the players and clubs to progress into the higher leagues.

What happens in the winter?

The all-important, not to be missed annual dinner, when we present the trophies for the year’s successes. Not only best batting and bowling average, but also players’ player and fielding award are up for grabs. This is a fun night when we all get dressed up, with dinner followed by dancing!!

From February to the beginning of the season in April, we have indoor net training. We have 3 qualified Level 1 coaches at the club and are hoping to get a more experienced coach to help us this winter.

What’s expected of me as a member of BLCC?

Cricket is a team game, and we need the whole team to contribute fully both on and off the field. It’s a great help to the running of the club if everyone does a bit.

• Annual subscriptions – These are vital to the running of the club and are used to pay for grounds, umpires, equipment and travel. Also they are very low compared to other sports. Subs must be paid before the first match of the season.
• Teas - Women’s cricket clubs provide tea for the opposition as a courtesy, free of charge. Each player on the home team brings a contribution of sandwiches or cakes etc enough for 2 people. Spectators, parents, husbands etc. please note, quite often there will be no tea available for non-players. It’s a good idea to bring your own!
• Before a home match - You should arrive at home games an hour before the start to help with the following:-
  - Putting out boundary flags, stumps, scoreboard and sight screen.
  - You should also pay your match fee to the designated treasurer for the team.
  - Participate in the warm up (it impresses the opposition!!)
  
• During the match – Bradford has a reputation as a friendly, well-mannered and welcoming club, which we would like to continue, so players and supporters are asked to treat opposition, officials and teammates with courtesy and respect.
  
• Etiquette:
  - Clap new batters onto the field.
  - When fielding, the captain should be the first person on and off the field.
  - Clap the opposition off the field.
  - At home allow the opposition to get their teas first.
  - Thank the umpires and scorers after the game.
  - Never show dissent, and accept the umpire’s decisions with good grace.
• After the match – Before you go make sure:-
  - Boundary flags, stumps, scoreboard and sight screen have been put away.
  - Your match fee has been paid.
• Parents and supporters – We are very grateful for the terrific support and help we get from supporters and parents and would really struggle without it. If you would like to help in any way there are always lots of jobs to do from helping with the teas to coaching, scoring and umpiring.
• Enjoy your cricket! – After all that’s why we play! If you have any problems, concerns or questions please speak to any committee member, who’ll try their best to help you out.

How do I join?

Get in touch either by email to general@bradfordlcc.co.uk or phone the number below, we'd be very pleased to hear from you.

Contact Numbers

Development Officer: - Anne Miller 01535 644552