Big Help Out Day: Personal reflections on volunteering for the League

It's 17 years now since I first joined the Committee of the Cheshire Women's League. At that time, the league's two divisions comprised nine number clubs. Today, there are 36 teams playing hardball cricket in divisions 1 to 4 of the league, plus 27 in the regionalised Division 5 softball structure.

With this rapid growth inevitably comes a need to recruit more volunteers to support the expanded league. I write this on the extra Bank Holiday granted to the nation. Today has been designated as the UK's Big Help Out day - a chance to get more people involved in volunteering activities. While the Big Help Out is an initiative connected with the Coronation, when it comes to a desire to give something back to the community, it's irrelevant as to whether you saw the weekend just gone as a chance for a joyous celebration, or whether you greeted the Coronation events with indifference.

Especially now I have progressed to Vice-Chair of the League, I can't pretend that running the league is always an undiluted pleasure. Issues arise, things don't always run smoothly and various matters need to be sorted out. I would say, however, that there is no doubt that the pleasant moments vastly outnumber the difficult moments. To see our league showcase it's offering at Finals Day, or at the annual fixture between the League XI and MCC, or to see hundreds rightly celebrating the League experience at the Presentation Dinner most certainly more than make up for any time spent discussing thorny issues.

So, there's a rewarding experience in store if you choose to get involved in volunteering for the League, and overseeing the next phase of our evolution. One thing's for sure, nothing in the world of women's cricket - whether at the highest level or at grassroots level - will stay the same for long.

Anyone is welcome to offer their services - for example all ages and genders are welcome as volunteers. There's also no need to be involved with one of the women's teams in the league, and I speak as someone whose regular involvement with a Cheshire cricket club ended in 2015.

If you'd like to find out more about getting involved with the League, get in touch today!