Glow cricket brings fun, fitness and friendship to local women
Women’s and Girls’ Glow Cricket Sessions have been celebrated by community leaders as an inspiring initiative transforming health, wellbeing, and confidence among women and girls.
Dr Samara Afzal, a local GP and Chair of the newly established Dudley Cricket and Sports Club, along with Vice Chair St Thomas’ ward Councillor Adeela Qayyum, and Councillor Shaukat Ali recently attended a session delivered by Worcestershire Cricket Foundation at the Thorns Collegiate Academy.
The Glow sessions designed specifically for young girls and women, combine cricket, physical activity, and social interaction in a fun glow-in-the-dark setting. Participants enjoy free food and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Funded by the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), the programme aims to break down barriers to sport while boosting physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence, and social connection among girls and women.
Dr Afzal, a passionate cricketer, commended the programme, saying: “This is an absolutely fantastic health and sports-related initiative. Programmes like these are vital in encouraging girls and women to be physically active, confident, and socially connected. These sessions show how sport can be innovative, inclusive, and truly community-focused.”
Councillor Adeela Qayyum emphasised the wider benefits, adding: “Women’s and girls’ participation in sport is essential for long-term health and wellbeing. What impressed me most was the welcoming, safe, and empowering environment in which attendees take part. This initiative not only promotes physical activity but also helps tackle health inequalities and inspire lifelong healthy habits.”
Councillor Shaukat Ali, a strong advocate for sport as a driver of health and mental wellbeing, said: “This programme is a brilliant example of how sport can be used as a tool for positive community engagement. The energy and enthusiasm shown by participants reflects the impact these sessions are having. It is wonderful to see such inclusive opportunities available locally.”
The Women’s & Girls’ Glow Sessions form part of a wider effort to expand access to sport for underrepresented groups across the Black Country, ensuring health, wellbeing, and joy remain at the heart of community sport.
Dr Afzal, Councillor Qayyum, and Councillor Ali all expressed strong support for hosting a session in central Dudley to widen access to sport and physical activity for young women in disadvantaged communities – a step they believe could inspire even more girls to get active, build confidence, and feel part of something positive.
