This September, Worcestershire Cricket Foundation is proud to join organisations across the UK in marking National Inclusion Week 2025 (15–21 September). The annual event, founded by Inclusive Employers, encourages communities and workplaces to celebrate diversity, share stories and commit to building a culture where everyone belongs. This year’s theme – “Now is the Time” – is a powerful call to take action, embed inclusion in everything we do and ensure it’s here to stay.
What does inclusion mean to us?
At WCF, inclusion isn’t a once-a-year campaign – it’s at the heart of everything we do. Our mission, “Cricket for every individual across all communities,” guides our programmes, outreach and coaching, ensuring that cricket is open to people of all backgrounds, abilities, genders and ages.
From free and low-cost sessions to targeted community initiatives, we work with schools, clubs and partners across Worcestershire to break down barriers and make sure everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of cricket. Our recently launched third annual Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Plan reflects our ongoing commitment to making this vision a reality.
National Inclusion Week is the perfect moment to shine a light on the incredible individuals who bring our inclusive vision to life. One of these is Will, who started playing disability cricket nine years ago. Today, he’s a qualified Foundation One coach running Super 1s sessions – creating a welcoming space for young people with disabilities to play, learn and grow.
Stories like Will’s show the power of inclusive sport to change lives. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing more of these journeys across our social media channels, alongside videos that highlight the difference inclusive cricket can make.
What’s Happening During National Inclusion Week?
We’re marking the week with a mix of online content designed to inspire and involve our community, including social media storytelling, sharing the voices of players, volunteers and coaches who live and breathe inclusion .
Billy Clark, our Executive Director at Worcestershire Cricket Foundation says
“National Inclusion Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diversity within our cricket community and to reflect on the work still to be done. At WCF, we believe cricket has the power to bring people together regardless of background, age, gender, or ability.
‘Now is the Time’ isn’t just this year’s theme – it’s a call to action we take seriously every day, ensuring that the game is open and welcoming to everyone across Worcestershire.”