Inclusive cricket efforts earn volunteer national recognition

Briony, who has been running disability cricket sessions at the club for more than ten years, was presented with The Ian Martin Award for Disability Inclusion in Cricket on Friday, March 6. The award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to creating inclusive opportunities within the sport.

The presentation was made by Ian Martin MBE, Head of Disability Cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Briony launched the sessions more than a decade ago to support her son and has remained at the heart of the programme ever since. What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving community, with around 18 participants now attending weekly Super 1s sessions throughout the year.

The club is recognised as an ECB Disability Champion Club and operates as a Super 1s hub in partnership with the Worcestershire Cricket Foundation. Together, they deliver weekly sessions designed to ensure young people with disabilities can enjoy cricket in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Over the years, Briony has helped create a space where participants not only develop their cricket skills but also form strong friendships. The sessions have also become a supportive community for families and parents, reinforcing the inclusive ethos that defines the programme.

Speaking after presenting the award, Ian Martin MBE praised the environment Briony has built, saying: “The environment that Briony has created for the youngsters was really special to see. So many kids just enjoying each other’s company, celebrating each other’s successes — it was really impressive and a great example of what Super 1’s is about.”

Rob Eynon from Lord's Taverners also highlighted the impact of the club’s work, he said: “The night really highlighted that not all Disability Champion clubs are made equally — and this one is without question a gold standard example. The environment Briony and Chris have created is something special: full of joy, confidence, and togetherness. Watching the young people genuinely celebrate each other, and seeing Briony be so surprised by her award, was a perfect reminder of why programmes like this matter so much.”

Nic Buckle said the recognition was richly deserved: “It was great to see Briony be recognised for all of her hard work over the years with the Oldswinford Cricket Club disability sessions — she absolutely champions disability cricket. We couldn't do what we do without her.”

Thanks to Briony’s dedication, the programme at Oldswinford Cricket Club continues to thrive, offering young people a place to play, build confidence and most importantly, belong.