Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club is celebrating a landmark period of growth after successfully launching its women’s cricket section in 2024 and being crowned East Leeds Soft Ball Champions in 2025.
Now, the club is preparing to take the next step in its development with the introduction of women’s hard ball cricket for the 2026 season.
The women’s section began just two years ago with a soft ball pairs cricket format designed to welcome beginners into the game. What started as a small, experimental group has quickly developed into a competitive and fast-growing squad.
Club Chairman Anthony Ryder said the progress has exceeded all expectations.
“We have come a long way since we first had the idea back in 2024,” he explained. “One of the mums suggested starting a women’s team and when we launched it, we only had three players. It has grown very quickly and we now have 10 women and five girls at the club — and only three of them had ever played cricket before.”
That rapid growth translated into success on the field last season, with the team lifting the East Leeds Soft Ball Championship title in 2025 — a remarkable achievement for such a newly formed side.
Looking ahead to 2026, the club is expanding further with the launch of a women’s hard ball team and hopes to build even greater depth across the section.
Alongside this, the club has also seen a rise in junior girls joining and is now exploring the creation of an Under-11s girls soft ball team.
Ryder praised both the players and coaching staff for the transformation seen so far:
“It’s a credit to the coaches and the women themselves. We’ve taken a group of non-cricketers and turned them into champions. I’m excited to see where this can go next.”
To support the expansion, the club is actively recruiting new players of all abilities. No previous cricket experience is necessary, and beginners are especially welcome. The club hopes more local women and girls will get involved as the weather improves and the outdoor season approaches.
Indoor training sessions are currently held every Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm at Middleton Leisure Centre.
Anyone interested in joining or learning more about women’s and girls’ cricket at Hunslet Nelsons is encouraged to get in touch and come along to a session.
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