North Wales Inclusive Cricket - Club of the Month June 2025
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Inclusive Cricket - Smashing barriers and changing the game, one over at a time.
We’re thrilled to celebrate North Wales Cricket Club, home to the fantastic MACS (Mixed Ability Cricket Squad) as our Every Body Moves Club of the Month for June 2025. Based out of Colwyn Bay and proudly supported by Cricket Wales and Disability Sport Wales, this dynamic squad is leading the charge in making cricket truly inclusive for all.
Not Just a Game – A Movement for Change
The club works tirelessly to remove barriers to participation, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to play cricket in a way that’s enjoyable, meaningful, and tailored to them.
Graeme Winterburn, Lead Coach with North Wales MACS, told us: "...cricket is also really well suited to everybody. It allows them to be active, gives them more skills."
"With cricket you don't have to be the tallest. You don't have to be the fastest, and you certainly don't have to be the quickest."
This isn’t about changing individuals to “fit in” – it’s about adapting the game and the environment to include everyone, no matter their age, background, or support need.
How Inclusive Cricket Works
Cricket, with its flexible structure and emphasis on teamwork, is the perfect platform for inclusive sport – and North Wales MACS are showing how it can be done. Some of the ways the game is adapted include:
- Softball formats for those who may find traditional hardball cricket less accessible or confidence-boosting for beginners.
- Modified equipment, including lightweight bats, larger balls, and audible balls for players with sensory impairments.
- Flexible rules that prioritise fun and inclusion over competition – the focus is on playing with, not against.
- Peer support and buddying, ensuring every player has the chance to shine at their own pace, in their own way.
- Accessible venues with consideration for mobility needs, communication preferences, and sensory comfort.
Crucially, the club encourages players to shape the session to suit themselves – not the other way around.
A Welcoming Space for All
What really sets North Wales Inclusive Cricket apart is its warm, open community. Whether someone is a seasoned cricketer or picking up a bat for the very first time, participants of all ages are welcomed as an equal teammates.
The club’s commitment goes far beyond the cricket pitch. It’s about fostering confidence, friendships, and opportunities. And they do it all with a good dose of laughter and the occasional (intentional) wide ball.
Iwan Huges, North Wales MACS team captain, told us: "We're a team but kind of family at the same time... I used to be kind of quiet, but now and I'm one of the ones coaching, helping people."
"I've seen people's confidence change from playing with us."
The club, in conjunction with local partners and Cricket Wales, also offer players additional opportunities for personal and professional progression. Through coaching awards and wider training programmes, participants can see their confidence and skills develop both on and off the pitch.
Recognised – and Rightly So!
Being named Every Body Moves Club of the Month is a well-earned nod to the club’s long-standing commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering space for disabled people to enjoy sport. Their work proves that when you adapt the game – and the mindset – cricket becomes a sport where every body can play, compete, belong, and thrive.
Want to Get Involved?
Thinking about picking up a bat? Or fancy cheering from the boundary? Whether you’re looking to play, volunteer, or support, inclusive cricket has a place for you.
Discover inclusive cricket and other opportunities near you with Every Body Moves