Southport Walking Cricket Group continues to grow, bringing people together through sport.
Founded in 2022 with just four participants, the Southport Walking Cricket Group has grown to more than 40 members, creating an inclusive community where people aged over 50 can stay active, socialise and enjoy cricket together.
Established with the support of a small start-up grant and staff from Lancashire Cricket Foundation, the group began with just four participants. Since then, it has developed into a welcoming community where people can take part in physical activity at their own pace, meet new people and build friendships through a shared love of cricket.
Walking cricket is suited for over 50’s who may find traditional cricket to physically demanding, with a slower pace and adapted rules allowing people of different abilities to get involved. For the Southport group, the benefits go beyond physical activity, providing a regular opportunity to connect with others and helping to reduce social isolation.
A key part of the groups development has been the voluntary contribution of Tony Elwood, Tony has taken on the role of coach and facilitator since its re-establishment in 2024. Tony provides encouragement and support during the weekly sessions, helping to create a welcoming environment for both new and experienced players.
To raise awareness locally, Lancashire Cricket Foundation arranged for flyers to be distributed in local shops, post offices and doctors’ surgeries. Local radio interviews and press coverage have also helped spread the word.
More recently, the group has been recognised by the local NHS trust’s social prescribing team as suitable for its patient recovery pathway, with one referral made so far.
Membership has now grown to more than 40 people, reflecting the demand for accessible, enjoyable opportunities to participate in physical activity within the local community. The original one-hour weekly booking at Dunes Leisure Centre has also been extended to two hours, allowing more people to take part and providing additional time for coaching, games and social interaction.
The group combines small contributions towards venue hire with grant funding secured through applications supported by Lancashire Cricket Foundation. This has helped keep sessions affordable while supporting the group’s continued development.
Members also socialise outside weekly sessions and take part in walking cricket competitions, representing Southport and connecting with other groups. A donation from Tesco is also helping towards new team polo shirts.
For 64-year-old member Andy Ramejkis, the sessions have become a weekly highlight. He said: “It is so enjoyable every week, although the running between wickets leaves a bit to be desired at times. Thank you to all of our group for making this something I really look forward to every week.”
Volunteer coach Tony Elwood, who has played cricket throughout his life, said: “Walking cricket has been a great way to keep that going in my seventies.”
He added:“There’s a real mix of cricketing experience, however, we all gel together and every single player has improved over time, whilst both on and off the pitch it has become a great social occasion.”
From four participants to more than 40 members, the Southport Walking Cricket Group continues to demonstrate how sport can bring people together, encourage physical activity and reduce social isolation.
With support from Lancashire Cricket Foundation, Living Well Sefton, local businesses and dedicated volunteers, the group hopes to continue growing and welcoming more people to enjoy walking cricket in Southport.
- For more details about Lancashire Cricket Foundation visit: Lancashire Cricket Foundation
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