As part of our partnership with Cricket for Girls, a programme designed by Lydia Greenway, former England international cricketer, we have been lucky enough to have another superstar join us at Sydenham High.

Last week saw the first in several weeks’ of cricket training with Arlene Kelly, who has travelled all the way from New Zealand where she plays for Auckland Hearts. She has has won two domestic one-day titles and the T20 title and recently signed for Kent Women as their overseas player for the 2018 season.

Our girls will receive training every Thursday and Friday for eight weeks. Sydenham High’s elite cricket team have been coached at our sports ground, where they have learnt valuable skills to put into practice in recent matches.

Cricket is growing at a rapid pace at Sydenham High. The girls, across the year groups, have already participated in tournaments, with year 8 kicking off the season in style with a win against Blackheath High and two teams at St Dunstan’s. They were pipped to the post by Hayes School but took two of their wickets! Some girls in other tournaments had not previously played cricket but their #fearnothing attitude ensured that they persevered and learnt from the experience. Well done to Eleanor for 18 runs off 3 overs.

On Thursday we hosted the Lewisham Junior Schools’ cricket festival which was a great experience for our year 7-12 cricket leaders. The girls showed tremendous Sydenham Spirit completing six hours of umpiring for local primary schools. Teachers from those schools praised their organisational skills, enthusiasm and leadership qualities. We are very proud of you girls.

Watch this space for some future international stars from Sydenham High!