Three years ago, the summer after a lengthy lockdown, saw the emergence of a fantastic idea from the women at Ferguslie Cricket Club.

There were no adult playing, female members at Ferguslie but there was a large social following.

However, instead of only watching the cricket as they had previously, the idea came to have their own day, a ladies’ 6s day.

Three years on and the 3rd edition of the event is about to take place on Sunday, 23rd of July 2023 which will see lots of girls and women taking part in a softball cricket competition to raise money for this year’s charity, Scottish Women in Sport.

Emma owner and coach at Lifefit Coaching

Lockdown was a particularly challenging time for all, it threw up many challenges and also showed just how vital our health, and maintaining an active lifestyle, is.

Just after lockdown, when outdoor group activity was permitted, I started running outdoor boot camps at Ferguslie Cricket Club. I grew up at the club, with my family being members and my grandfathers, dad and uncles all playing.

The outdoor boot camps were like a breath of fresh air that everyone appreciated after being locked away. They also reminded us of how fantastic it is to take part in physical activity from a fitness and social perspective.

I enjoyed sports all through my childhood playing a variety at school and then focusing on golf which is where experienced my first male-dominated sport. I enjoyed playing with my dad but there weren’t any other girls my age. Playing for Renfrewshire County was fantastic meeting girls and women alike but it’s still astonishing to me how few girls are exposed to golf.

Cricket was something I never really saw as a sport that I was that interested in as a female, but the idea of a ladies’ 6s day, I just thought was fantastic and knew we had to make it happen.

All the girls and ladies who have taken part in the 6s so far have had very little or no cricket experience but regardless of this, everyone has had so much fun.

Often, we avoid things we aren’t good at or not experienced in but the atmosphere at the ladies’ 6s definitely highlights that new activities can be so enjoyable, regardless of ability.
As a health and fitness coach, it’s my goal to make fitness more inclusive across the board and I love to see women and girls gain confidence, knowledge and joy from exercise.

Our aim again for the ladies’ 6s is for everyone playing or watching to have a fantastic day and for all the participants to feel empowered while raising money for a worthy cause.

Cara from international gymnast to coach:

I’m Cara, Emma’s sister and I retired from elite gymnastics in 2022 after competing for Scotland at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Gymnastics may seem like a female-dominated sport and in Scotland, at recreational level, there are more girls than boys that take part in classes. Although, as you look at the elite side of the sport it’s the men’s team that usually receives more funding due to their higher-ranking performances. However, the women’s team is growing stronger with individual silver and bronze medals won by Louise Christie and Shannon Archer at Birmingham 2022 showing that women can compete as successfully as men.

Like Emma, I love exercise and am currently going through my gym qualifications to become part of the Lifefit Coaching staff. When coaching young gymnasts, I teach the girls about the benefits of sport and fitness, the effects it can have on their health and the social benefits too.

I have played in the previous ladies’ 6s days and I am very excited to take part again this year with a team of close friends. Being a gymnast I’m used to high-pressure competitions and the 6s is no different – everyone wants their team to win but there is definitely a lot of fun to be had too.

Everything you need to know about this year’s ladies 6s day

Where: Ferguslie Cricket Club 36 Corsebar Rd, Paisley PA2 9PS

When: Sunday 23rd July 12:30 pm start

Who can play: all girls and ladies

Who can come: everyone is welcome to support

Do you need to pay: players pay £10 each, spectators free entry for spectators

What else will be happening on the day:

Music

Bar

Massages

Craft and beauty stalls

Raffle

One stump challenge

Here’s to a fantastic day for women in sports.

Photography: Bill Wilson

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