THE 2021 SEASON BEGINS
With a sense of Community in focus
As lockdown begins to lift and the weather begins to improve, cricket is finally back with league fixtures up and down the country.
My club, Old Wimbledonians again embark on the season with seven adult teams playing teams across each weekend (Five League teams on a Saturday and two two friendly teams on a Sunday).
For those who don't know, Old Wimbledonians is a very pleasant club located in Raynes Park. Boasting two home pitches with two good tracks - a truly excellent facility. There are very few places locally that are so tailor made for a nice family day out.
(Author's note: At this point i want to apologise for the sheer amount of times i have written the word 'community' in this post.)
For many people, team sports can be something of a lifeline. The benefits of having a group of people around you who all want you to do well can be a very uplifting thing to have. The feeling of being a part of something and being amongst friends can often be crucial to overcoming a tough or stressful week at work or even the pressures of every day life. Of course the social side of things is also a massive part (groups of 6, 2 households etc etc )
Catching up after games with both your teammates and fellow club mates is another huge part of club life and the sense of community which we all enjoy. The first social of the season takes place (socially distanced) next Saturday evening - the club's first ever Bowl Off Cup. Which promises to be.....interesting. - Keep focused on all of our social media channels for the results/videos of that.
Whilst the affect that restrictions have had on mental health has been quite alarming, having this kind environment to be a part of and to come back to is a fantastic boost.
Coronavirus has helped all of us embrace that greater sense of community. Whether it's the work of Dons Local Action Group that has been such a tremendous asset to the local community, or the tremendous work that Mick Dore of the Alexandra public house in Wimbledon has been for many years in addition to his fine community work through the covid crisis. They are wonderful examples of just how community efforts can make a real difference and although we operate on a smaller scale, the benefits that we can offer in our local area can also be hugely beneficial for people.
Changing tact somewhat, the club is currently doing very well for players and availability, which is a reflection of the hard work of people both on and off the pitch. You couldn't generate 70+ people for a weekend of cricket without making sure that you have a positive environment. It also goes to show, if you've been following our social channels this week, you'll notice that we were able to field two colts teams of girls for the first time in the Girls Smash it League . These girls teams are growing rapidly and its a wonderful thing to see happen and become part of our all encompassing........wait for it.......community.
To conclude, the community (last time, i promise) aspect of our club and the camaraderie that surrounds it makes it such a vital aspect to many people's lives. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for all walks of life and are always welcoming to new additions.
We are the Old Wimbledonians and we play as one
Simon Bath
Sunday Campions Vice-Captain
(and only person who wanted to write a blog)
* Tastefully borrowed from Formula 1
#WePlayAsOne
