No Running, No Problem: Discover the Joy of Walking Cricket

Sport. Frenetic, energetic, exhausting, right? You can’t take part unless you’re super-fit, right? Many people assume this and in fact it’s a big reason why people often don’t take part in sports, because they think they won’t be up to it.

But this isn’t necessarily the case. Last week, Lancashire Cricket started their Walking Cricket sessions at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. Taking place every Wednesday afternoon between 12 noon and 1pm, walking cricket is exactly what it sounds like – cricket, but without the running.

Described as “a fun, social, and welcoming format of the game, played at a slightly slower pace,” it is the perfect way to get involved or remain involved, and meet new people.

Walking cricket, and in fact all ‘walking’ sports, can be suitable for all abilities and offer a fantastic, social way to improve physical fitness, have fun, meet new friends, and improve mental wellbeing.

And there’s plenty of evidence to back this up. In 2023 the University of Huddersfield conducted research into walking cricket and its benefits, which showed improvements in cardiovascular health, balance, flexibility, and coordination while reducing strain on joints. It also lowered stress, enhanced focus, and boosted self-confidence and mental well-being in people participating.

Social Benefits include encouraging teamwork, reducing isolation, and creating a supportive community atmosphere. Joining in with an activity alongside like-minded people is bound to lead to new friendships and connections.

If walking cricket sounds like something that you could be interested in then you can contact [email protected] for more information, or give them a call on 07949776340. Remember, you don’t have to be good at cricket, you don’t even need to have played it before.

But what if cricket isn’t your thing? Walking cricket has been around since 2019, coming from a partnership between the University of the Third Age and Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, but walking football goes back to 2011 and an initiative from Chesterfield FC Community Trust. Since then it has exploded across the UK, with various walking football opportunities in Lancaster including with Lancaster Men’s Hub. There’s even a Lancaster City Walking Football Club at the Bay Leadership Academy in Heysham.

And there are plenty of other sporty activities available where the emphasis isn’t on physical fitness or ability, rather providing an opportunity to get involved and meet new people. You can find out more by searching the LDCVS Digital Directory of services website.