Hallam Cricket Club

Hallam Cricket Club is a friendly, sociable, and inclusive club located in Sheffield, Yorkshire. Established in 1804, it is one of the oldest cricket clubs in the area and boasts the honour of playing on arguably the oldest club ground in Yorkshire. The club currently has two grounds, at Sandygate and Crimicar Lane, and also hires a third ground at Castle Dyke on Saturdays. With a rich history and a commitment to the future of the game, Hallam Cricket Club is a thriving community for cricket enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

At Hallam, the focus is on providing opportunities for players at all levels. The club runs 32 different teams, catering to various age groups and leagues. For seniors, there are six Saturday league teams, with the 1st XI playing in the YCSPL Championship, the 2nd XI in the 2nd Division, the 3rd XI in the 4th Division, and the 4th XI in the 8th Division. The 5th and 6th XIs play in the 2nd and 3rd divisions of the Yorkshire & Derbyshire Cricket League.

The Women & Girls teams participate in the Hardball and Softball divisions of the South Yorks Women & Girls League, and there are also girls teams at U9, U11, and U13 levels in the Ben Jessop Junior League. Additionally, Hallam has a Wednesday evening team in the 1st division of the Sheffield Midweek Alliance and a Sunday Friendly side with fixtures every week. The club also organises senior and junior indoor teams, both male and female, during the winter months.

The club's dedication to nurturing young talent is evident through its extensive junior programme. Hallam now has over 250 junior members, with 20 teams that play all year round. There is winter coaching from November to April, strong links with local schools, participation in the Ben Jessop and North Derbyshire leagues during term time, and cricket camps running four days a week throughout the summer holidays. The club is particularly proud of its contribution to the ECB All Stars and Dynamos courses, offering 8-week programmes for almost 300 5-11-year-olds from the local community during the summer.

In terms of equity, diversity, and inclusion, Hallam Cricket Club is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for all. The club values its racially diverse senior and junior players, with 19% BAME representation at the senior level and 27. 5% at the junior level. While acknowledging that there may be room for improvement in terms of social diversity, Hallam remains committed to fair play, tolerance, and inclusivity.

The club actively discourages any behaviours, on or off the pitch, that could cause offence to individuals or teams. Hallam's constitution explicitly states a commitment to equality of opportunity in cricket and ensuring a discrimination-free environment for all involved.

Above all, Hallam Cricket Club prides itself on being a sociable and welcoming club. Whether you are an experienced player looking to join a competitive team or a beginner wanting to learn the sport, Hallam offers a supportive atmosphere and a sense of community. To find out more or to inquire about joining, interested individuals can contact the club's secretary, Richard Storer, at richard@hallamcc. co.

uk.