The England Women’s Development Programme Under-19s were volunteering at the Lord’s Taverners table cricket competition at Grace Road today.
The squad were on hand to umpire matches, support and coach teams, plus hand out refreshments at the home of Leicestershire County Cricket Club.
The initiative, which helps to enhance the girls’ social responsibility and transferrable skill development, has been driven by links with former England women international and Lord Taverners employee, Holly Colvin.
Early start for the EWDP U19's down at Leicestershire CC for the @LordsTaverners Table Cricket Comp @ECB_cricket pic.twitter.com/QOFttFyM1P
— cait o'keefe (@cait_okeefe) March 20, 2015
The 25-year-old left-arm spinner has recently returned to cricket with Sussex after taking a break from the game.
Cait O’Keefe, part of the EWDP U19s’ squad, told ecb.co.uk: “We are scoring, umpiring the game and mentoring teams, making sure they are getting to the tables.
“We had to set the tables up and a couple of the girls are writing certificates out now. We are all helping each other out and there are different roles.
Winners @PortlandCollege @LordsTaverners @ECB_cricket #EWDPU19 #DevonMassiveInfluence pic.twitter.com/QCtzrlGBHz
— cait o'keefe (@cait_okeefe) March 20, 2015
“It is a good learning experience. I was a bit apprehensive at first about it, but I am really enjoying it.”
Last month the EWDP U19s also embarked on a cycle challenge - fundraising by cycling the distance from Lands’ End to John O’Groats on bikes set up in the Loughborough Student Union - again in partnership with the Lord’s Tavs.
O’Keefe added: “I’ve have got a bit of a sore bottom but it was worth it!”
Team picture #TableCricket#EnglandU19DevelopmentSquad@PortlandCollege@LordsTaverners@ECB_cricketpic.twitter.com/4YCSjVOHBq
— cait o'keefe (@cait_okeefe) March 20, 2015