Girlguiding Cymru Cricket Event @Sophia Gardens
What a truly joyful evening we had at Sophia Gardens on May 7! Over 300 girls and their leaders from across Wales came together for the 2025 Girlguiding Cymru Cricket Wales event, and it was a celebration to remember. With clear skies, a gentle breeze, and just the right touch of sunshine, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for an action-packed evening of sport, laughter, and guiding spirit.
Thanks to the incredible support of our event sponsor, Admiral Group Plc, the gates of Sophia Gardens opened wide for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, and Young Leaders to step into the world of cricket. For many, it was their first time experiencing the sport, and the excitement on their faces said it all.
One of the evening’s highlights was the official launch of the brand-new 2025 Cricket Challenge Pack. Designed to help girls of all sections discover the fun and teamwork involved in cricket, the pack was met with great enthusiasm. It was fantastic to see it brought to life right there on the pitch, with girls trying out activities that they'll soon be sharing back in their units.
We were so lucky to have Rebecca Thomas, Women's & Girls' Development Officer – South East Wales, along with the talented coaches and players from Cricket Wales and Glamorgan Cricket, leading the activities. Their energy, skill, and encouragement made the evening a truly hands-on experience, with everyone getting involved, learning something new, and most importantly—having a great time.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our guiding leaders. Their commitment to bringing their girls along, supporting them, and sharing in their joy is what makes events like this so special. Behind the scenes, our Girlguiding Cymru events team worked tirelessly to make sure every detail was covered, and their efforts truly paid off.
A very special mention must go to Sarah-Jane Burns, our Deputy Chief Commissioner, who joined us for her fourth and final cricket event in this role. Her passion and support for Girlguiding Cymru’s cricket adventures over the years have meant so much, and it was lovely to see her celebrated by so many in attendance.
The evening was full of smiles, teamwork, and unforgettable memories—and the photos from the night say it all. We can’t wait to see how the new cricket challenge inspires girls across Wales in the months to come.
Download the Cricket challenge pack here
Quotes from members
“I loved hitting the ball with the bat! It was super fun and I got to run really fast. I want to play cricket again!”
“I didn’t know cricket was so cool!
My favourite bit was learning how to bowl – I felt like a real cricketer.”
“I’ve never played cricket before, but it was lots of fun. The coaches were so nice and made it really fun for everyone, even if you’d never tried it before.”
“It was such a good vibe—laughing with friends, learning new skills, and being on a real pitch was amazing.”
