We take a look at the impact our Metro Bank Enhance Programme and Ignite Festivals had on local coaches and volunteers in 2025
The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund was launched in April 2024, following Metro Bank becoming the first ever champion partner of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket in May 2023.
Here is Derbyshire, the fund has had a massive impact on providing development opportunities to coaches involved in the girls game and to clubs looking for more volunteers to help make their girls sections more sustainable.
Enhance Programme
The Metro Bank Enhance Programme supports the development of coaches working in girls’ cricket at club level. The programme is designed for clubs with an existing girls’ section, as well as those looking to start one, and is open to both qualified and unqualified coaches.
It provides 20 hours of face-to-face, club-based coach development, delivered in a real-world setting by experienced staff from local Cricket Boards. The programme focuses on practical, individualised support, with key principles including observation, feedback, modelling, and tailored learning and development planning.
"The coaching support programme significantly strengthened my coaching skills, but more importantly, it boosted my confidence in my own practice. It provided a safe and supportive environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance in areas I wanted to develop. Learning from such experienced, high-quality coaches was incredibly valuable, and having the opportunity to connect with other female coaches in a similar position was an added bonus.” – Leanne Bunting, Denby CC
"It was fantastic to have the coaches come to us and see how we can make the best use our ground/nets. Jon had lots of ideas and brought in other coaches who were all equally patient. S&C was a highlight and something I hadn’t thought about bringing into our training nights. I feel much more confident after their support.” – Jane Magee, Long Eaton CC
Our expression of interest for this year's enhance programme will be shared soon.
Ignite Festivals
The Metro Bank Ignite Festivals are designed to attract new volunteers to support girls’ teams at cricket clubs. It is aimed at anyone interested in taking their first steps into coaching or volunteering at a club with an existing girls’ section, or one that is looking to start one.
The taster is a free, 30–60 minute face-to-face session held at the volunteer’s own club, usually alongside a coaching session or match day. By taking place in a familiar environment at a convenient time, the initiative helps break down common barriers to volunteering such as lack of experience, confidence, cost, and travel. The session highlights the skills people already have, shows how they can get involved in coaching sessions and match days, and signposts opportunities to learn more about cricket and volunteering.
In June 2025, Emma, Lauren and Charlie visited 4 clubs to deliver ignite events.
At Belper Amateurs CC, we advertised a ‘Have a Go’ session for parents and guardians alongside the girls’ usual training. The session was attended by 16 individuals and was full of energy and laughter with a main focus on providing the attendees with some confidence on umpiring and scoring by teaching them the basics.
Similar sessions were ran at both Butterley United CC and Denby CC where parents got involved in sessions and had the opportunity to ask questions to develop their knowledge of cricket in general and have an understanding of how they can get involved within the girls section at their club.
At Quarndon CC, the session looked slightly different with a focus on helping the club find some new volunteers to take on the admin involved in organising their girls dynamos teams.
Across all sessions we have had positive feedback and some new volunteers for our clubs.
If you are interested in an Ignite Session at your club, please fill in this form to expression interest: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/7PNyftfQqL
If you would be interested in some support with volunteers within you girls section please get in touch with [email protected] or [email protected]