Chief Executive Simon Storey believes the hosting of the recent Aboriginal XI touring teams at The 3aaa County Ground is another important step towards creating a more accessible game in Derbyshire.
Storey said: “As a county cricket club we are focused on bringing cricketing success to the county, but we also know that we can make a huge positive impact on the community that we represent.
“We have a large and diverse population in Derbyshire of over one million people and it is important that we as a Club represent the community that we serve.
“As we look to the future, it’s important that, as well as increasing our own competitiveness in the men’s game, we also support other growth areas for the game that have been identified in ECB’s Cricket Unleashed strategy.
“These include growing the women’s game, increasing engagement with South Asian cricket players and fans, and ensure that venues are fully accessible for all.
“Hosting the Aboriginal match was a reminder of the role cricket in Derbyshire has played in the last 150 years in shaping the game and our community.
“After last year’s successful staging of the ICC Women’s World Cup, we have been rewarded with another one-day international on 10 July as we once again welcome the England Women’s team to Derby. This will mark another important milestone on a journey towards establishing The 3aaa County Ground as a key venue for women’s cricket.
“We have been working closely with Natalie Sigona, who has extensive experience as a diversity and inclusion specialist. Natalie brings a wealth of experience to the Club from her current role at Rolls-Royce as Diversity and Inclusion Consultant and has been assisting the Supervisory Board and Executive Team in the development of a diversity and inclusion strategy.
“It’s important that we continue to invest today in the development of our men’s squad, but moving forward, we believe the Club will be more successful and financially sustainable by making cricket more accessible and growing the number of cricket followers of both the men’s and women’s games, whatever their gender, religion or background.”
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons host seven Twenty20 games this July and August. Purchase your tickets in advance and save from £4. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
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