Heronsbridge Special School have their eyes firmly on the prize as they prepare to make the trip to Lord’s for the 2024 National Table Cricket Finals Day.
The Lord’s Taverners national table cricket competition sees young people with disabilities representing schools from across the country, setting their sights on what for some will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Table cricket is an adapted version of the traditional game, played on a table tennis table, and is much more accessible to young people living with severe physical or learning disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, who have limited opportunities to participate in sport.
After forcing their way through regionals, Heronsbridge teacher Francis Thomas says the desire for victory is palpable among his students ahead of Finals Day on June 27.
“The children are looking forward to it, they're aiming to win,” Thomas said. “That's the big vibe I'm getting off our kids.
“It's competing for Wales and competing to win. So it really is a competition that these kids are driving at.
“They're aiming to win, absolutely.”
Table cricket has been the talk of the school in recent times, with everyone aware of the big occasion that lies on the horizon.
The students have even been reading up on the history of Lord’s, fully aware of the prestige the hallowed turf is held to.
“There's been a lot of goodwill about it,” Thomas added. “It's not often we get to do a sporting opportunity outside of Wales, so to get one in London and at Lord’s is being treated really well.
“These people are so familiar with cricket, they know where Lord’s is and they have a feeling of what Lord’s means to cricket.
“They've been looking into it themselves, which for a special school is a big thing. To use a phrase, they've done that off their own bat.”
As our Table Cricket National Final approaches, let's look back on the inspirational journey of Joal & Humzah.
— Lord's Taverners (@LordsTaverners) June 20, 2024
Table Cricket is more than just a game, it's a powerful catalyst for fostering a sense of belonging, creating friendships & developing teamwork & social skills. pic.twitter.com/AkNvyZxIb9
Much of the Lord’s Taverners work in cricket for young people with disabilities is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by the Postcode Active Trust, in addition to support from the ECB and Sport England.
And Thomas emphasised the importance of making cricket accessible to everyone regardless of ability, citing the sport’s competitive elements as vital for young people.
“It's the chance to play against other schools, it's the chance to play something new in a meaningful way,” he said.
“Even before we did the competition in Cardiff, there was an expectation they were gonna, they were aiming to win and aiming to do well.
“The families have all expressed interest, pleasure and pride in the fact it's a trip that their child is representing.”
The Lord’s Taverners impacts the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. The charity works across the UK and beyond to provide inclusive and impactful cricket programmes, empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities – visit www.lordstaverners.org
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