It’s been just a few weeks since Ed Wilson stepped into his role as the Head of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket at Worcestershire, and already, he radiates the kind of optimism and clarity of purpose that signals a bright future. His arrival coincides with a moment in cricket history where women’s and girls’ development has never been more central, or more exciting.
“Women and girls’ cricket is now getting more focus, more funding, more visibility,” Ed says with a clear sense of excitement. “The opportunity to shape something, especially as the first person to head up women and girls here and build a program from day one, is fantastic. It’s brand new, it’s unknown, and that’s incredibly inspiring.”
For Ed, success isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about ensuring Worcestershire’s women and girls continue pushing boundaries, raising standards, and, above all, enjoying the game. Ed’s plan is twofold: develop a strong performance culture at the senior level, while also creating a wider grassroots program that nurtures more participants.
“My overarching vision is to see players move from this program into Tier One cricket, pushing on to the professional game,” he explains. “In three or four years, I want Worcestershire to be recognised as a club that consistently produces professional players.”
This plan will revolve around clearly defined structures at every stage: from improving fielding standards across all age groups, to investing in the next generation of coaches who can provide support and mentorship. Ed is quick to highlight that fielding, in particular, is a key area of focus.
“We want to be the best fielding team in Tier Two, and the best at every age group. If we can unify our approach, from the Under-11s right through to the Rapids Women, then we build something special that’s instantly recognisable as Worcestershire Cricket.”
One of Ed’s first major tasks is beefing up the club’s reach at the grassroots level. He’s already leading the recruitment of an additional full-time member of staff dedicated to women’s and girls’ cricket. This move, he says, is a game-changer:
“It’s a lot for one person to cover all the clubs, schools, and community programs. With two of us, we can ensure we have eyes on every opportunity, whether that’s a club match, a school festival, or a street cricket session. It’s about being visible, accessible, and encouraging all girls out there who want to try cricket.”
Ed highlights the importance of existing programs like All Stars and Dynamos Cricket, which have taken hold in communities nationwide. More than just a fun introduction to the sport, these programs also hook parents and volunteers, often providing the first step on the ladder to becoming committed members of the cricketing family.
“Cricket is a community game, a family game,” Ed explains. “You see these village clubs with a Friday night All Stars session, barbecues, parents, and grandparents watching on. That sense of camaraderie underpins everything. If we can capture that at a young age, then by the time girls reach 11, 12, 13, they’re immersed in the culture of the sport. They love it, and they want to stay.”
Alongside developing future players, Ed aims to expand the network of female coaches. He believes that seeing women in leadership and coaching roles has a tangible impact on inspiring the next generation of cricketers.
“Early conversations with the Foundation have begun around encouraging more female coaches to come through the qualification pathway,” he says. “I also want our women’s players, many of whom already coach at other clubs or age groups, to take that step if they haven’t already. Visibility matters. Having a female role model at training can be the difference in a girl deciding to stick with cricket.”
This focus on representation links to another core tenet of Ed’s vision: inclusivity. He’s determined to ensure women’s and girls’ cricket in Worcestershire is accessible to players from all backgrounds.
“Traditional routes, like private schools and established clubs, will always be important,” he says, “but we also want talent to come through from street cricket programs, from school festivals, from community initiatives. We don’t want any barriers to entry for a girl who loves the game.”
While Worcestershire’s ambition is to become a force in Tier Two and beyond, Ed sees success in more subtle, yet equally significant, ways: growing the overall player base, elevating standards at every age level, and sending more players into the professional ranks.
He’s also eager to align with the men’s setup, harnessing a shared vision for success across the entire club.
“My observation is that Worcestershire is built on really good people, and the men’s side regularly punches above its weight. I want us to reflect that spirit in the women’s game, punching above our weight, producing professional players, and building a culture that stands out for how we compete.”
Perhaps most telling is Ed’s leadership style: giving players and coaches the freedom to thrive. He’s keen to let his captains lead, encourage assistant coaches to innovate, and remind players why they fell in love with cricket in the first place.
“I’m not into micromanagement,” he states plainly. “I always performed better when people trusted me to just get on with it, and I want to offer that same trust now. I want everyone involved, players, parents, coaches, to feel ownership of this program. It’s about enjoyment and pride in the badge.”
Though Ed has only been in the role a short time, his energy and clarity of purpose are already setting a new tone. As Worcestershire’s women and girls’ structure continues to grow, expect a program that values hard work, inclusivity, and most importantly, a deep love of cricket.
With Ed at the helm, inviting communities to join in, supporting young players to dream big, and ensuring everyone feels a part of something special, this new era for women’s and girls’ cricket in Worcestershire is poised to become a blueprint for success across the country.
“This is about creating a legacy,” Ed says, as a final thought. “A real, tangible pathway where girls see themselves playing, coaching, and leading at every level, showing that Worcestershire is the place to be.”
