KENT CRICKET HOLDS INAUGURAL GIRLS' SUPER CAMP

Kent Cricket held their inaugural Kent Girls Super Camp at Sevenoaks School from 12 – 14 February 2024 during the half-term break. Seventy-Eight girls from across the Kent Girls Area Cricket Programme and Talent Pathway attended over the three days, with over sixty players every day.

The course was run by Kent Women & Girls’ Pathway Manager, Dave Smith, who assembled an experienced team of coaches to deliver what was an incredible learning opportunity for all that attended. The coaching team involved Kent Women’s captain Megan Belt, Southern Vipers & Kent Women’s player Megan Sturge, Kent 2nd XI Head Coach Mark Dekker, South East Stars Regional Talent Managers Jennifer Jackson & Lucy Arman, and a whole host of boys and girls Talent Pathway coaches.

The players took part in a batting session every day, which was run by Mark Dekker. The pace bowlers worked with Kent League legend and Girls Pathway coach, Andy Tutt. Spin bowlers worked with Megan Belt and Jennifer Jackson. Every player underwent a physical profiling with Geoff Marshall, Head of Athletic Performance at Sevenoaks School & Kent Girls’ Talent Pathway Strength & Conditioning coach, and left with some action points to work on to improve their physical development.

The afternoon sessions focused on specific net scenarios: Building an innings on day 1; rotating the strike on day 2; Focusing on boundary hitting on day 3. The girls also had workshops on sports psychology, tactical awareness and batting game plans. One of the most popular activities was a Dragon’s Den style workshop. The girls were split into groups and had to come up with a new game, or warm-up activity, using the available equipment. They then presented it to the group and the coaches picked a winner. There were some excellent ideas and presentations.

Reflecting on the three days, Kent Women & Girls’ Pathway Manager, Dave Smith said:

“It was fantastic to see all the girls making new friends, enjoying their cricket and learning more about the game. The standard of girls’ cricket in Kent is phenomenal. It bodes very well for the future.”

Thank you to Sevenoaks School for hosting the camp, to Ambition Sports Teamwear for the camp T-shirts, to all the coaches who helped deliver a successful camp and to the parents for supporting it by bringing the players each day.

For information or enquiries about the Kent Cricket Girls’ Area Cricket Programme & the Kent Girls Talent Pathway at please contact Kent Women & Girls’ Pathway Manager, Dave Smith.