New women-led cricket and sports club in Dudley breaks boundaries and inspires the next generation
A newly-formed Dudley Cricket and Sports Club — formally constituted this season but informally active for a number of years — has announced its official launch with a fully women-led leadership team, sending a powerful message that there are no barriers to participation or leadership in sport.
At the helm as Chair is Dr Samara Afzal, a highly respected GP based in the West Midlands, Trustee of Cricket Wales, Member of the Warwickshire Cricket Club Inclusion Advisory Board, cricket coach, former county cricketer and advocate for community health and sport. Dr Afzal has played for Warwickshire Ladies and Walmley Cricket Club and holds a Level 1 coaching qualification. She is widely recognised for her community work using cricket to promote health and wellbeing, particularly among women, and was honoured during the ECB’s RaiseTheBat campaign for her frontline contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supporting her leadership are Vice Chair Cllr Adeela Qayyum and Secretary Cllr Shazna Azad — both local St. Thomas's Ward Councillors committed to community development, sport and inclusive opportunities for girls and women.
The club’s all-female officer team exemplifies dynamic role models for girls and women of all ages, signalling that sport — and leadership in sport — is open to everyone regardless of gender, race, disability, sexuality, or background.
“We want to show that cricket and sport is for everyone,” said Dr Samara Afzal. “This club has grown organically over the years because of passion and dedication. Now, fully constituted, we are ready to expand and create even more opportunities for people to get involved — whether that’s playing, volunteering, coaching or supporting.”
The club has exciting plans underway to develop excellent sports facilities and is actively identifying and applying for funding and partnerships to support this growth.
Anyone interested in getting involved — whether through playing, volunteering, or supporting the club — is encouraged to get in touch (Stthomasca@outlook.com) and be part of this journey. The club is committed to promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of all participants, with a strong focus on empowering women and girls to stay active, build confidence, and find a sense of community through cricket and sport more broadly.
