ECB report finds cricket helps mental wellbeing and local communities

Playing cricket helps people support their mental wellbeing while also fostering connections in local communities, according to a new report by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The ECB's Impact of Cricket Report, published on Tuesday, was produced alongside the The Sports Consultancy (TSC), who assessed the governing body's projects, programmes and data from recent years as well as the impacts they deliver.

As well as demonstrating how cricket keeps people fit and healthy, being involved in the sport was shown to build children’s confidence and have positive impacts on both communities and social cohesion.

The report, which focuses primarily on the 2022 and 2023 seasons, showed 80 per cent of respondents agreed playing cricket keeps them active in a way they would not be if they did not get involved.

Eighty three per cent of parents said their child's confidence had been boosted by taking part in the ECB's 'All Stars and Dynamos' programmes.

When looking at social cohesion, the report found 92 per cent said playing cricket makes them feel part of the community, while 83 per cent agreed playing the sport meant they appreciate people from different backgrounds.

The ECB hopes by continuing to grow the game, more people will benefit from the positive impacts and more opportunities will be created for people to get involved in the sport.

Data from the report showed just over one million children played cricket through ECB programmes, partner programmes or organised play last year.

During 2023, 717 new women's and girls' teams were established, which is a 20 per cent growth, while 526 recreational clubs have been funded to make their facilities more accessible and welcoming with a focus on breaking down barriers to people getting involved in the sport.

Access to cricket in urban areas is also improving, with funds targeted into the most deprived regions, which have helped more than 30,000 players engaged through hubs which bring together cricket and other local services.

ECB chief executive officer Richard Gould said: "The Impact of Cricket demonstrates the power of our sport and the positive effect it can have on the lives of players, fans or volunteers and on the communities where it is played.

"By going through the process of producing an impact report, it was our aim to learn more, both about what is working well and where there are opportunities to have greater impact.

"Our ambition is to make cricket the most inclusive sport in England and Wales.

"While we know we have much more work to do, this report shows that cricket is delivering significant benefits today and that we have solid foundations on which to deliver lasting change, to more people, in future."

Sian Jenkins, director at The Sports Consultancy, added: "Our findings show the clear benefits that the sport is bringing to millions of people who engage with the game, keeping people healthy and bringing communities together.

"It is also great to see the range of different initiatives and programmes being delivered by the ECB and partners to make cricket more accessible to people from all walks of life."

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