Cricket, Community and Sunshine: Leicestershire's Family Fun Day

Last weekend (17/08/2025) we had the absolute pleasure of joining the Family Fun Day at Leicestershire, where the Foxes took on Essex in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. It was a brilliant day out with cricket at the heart of it, bringing together fans young and old to celebrate the game we all love.

On the pitch it was Essex who came away with the win, beating the Foxes by 60 runs. The Foxes had chosen to bowl first after winning the toss, but Essex posted a strong total that proved just too much to chase. A big thank you to umpires Michael Gough and Simon Widdup, referee Mike Smith and scorers Paul Rogers and Paul Parkinson for keeping the match running smoothly!

Away from the action there was just as much excitement in the marquee. Families got stuck into table cricket, people were having their faces painted or mini glitter tattoos put on, and fans had the chance to meet self-published author Jenni Douglass who was signing copies of her cricket inspired novel. Jenni came along with her family who were bursting with pride, and it was lovely to hear her talk about her story. With its mystery and detective twist, the book shines a fresh light on the game without being overly autobiographical, and the passion behind it was clear to see.

We were there alongside Her Game Too, who had a brilliant stall set up throughout the day. It was fantastic to chat to so many people who came over to ask questions, share experiences, and learn more about the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for women in cricket. One comment that really stood out came from a visitor who said that when they were younger, there were very few organisations making women feel as welcome in cricket. It shows exactly why Her Game Too matters so much today, making sure young people and women of all ages feel they belong in the sport whether they are players, fans or just passionate about the game.

Of course, no summer cricket day is complete without ice cream, and with the sunshine shining down for the second year in a row, there was plenty enjoyed around the ground. The Leicestershire setting was beautiful, with families scattered on the grass taking in both the sport and the festival feel. Her Game Too also ran a raffle that got a lot of people excited, with a signed shirt from both the men’s and women’s Leicestershire teams up for grabs.

Looking ahead, we are also thrilled to share that WH Cricket will be hosting the OTO Awards on 20 September. These awards are all about recognising and celebrating the people who make a difference in our cricket community, especially women whose contributions often go unnoticed. It is a chance to come together, highlight achievements, and continue building a stronger, more welcoming future for everyone in the game.

All in all it was a day full of cricket, conversation and community spirit. We left with smiles on our faces, sun on our skin and a real buzz about what is to come next.