Girls’ cricket in Hampshire enters new era with official launch of Hawks Girls Academy
Hampshire Cricket Foundation have launched the brand new Hampshire Hawks Girls Academy, a landmark initiative designed to transform the pathway for girls’ cricket across the county and build a lasting legacy inspired by this summer’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Launched on Sunday 7 June at Mount Pleasant Junior School in Southampton as part of the Wicketz cricket festival, the academy represents a bold step forward in Hampshire Cricket’s commitment to women’s and girls’ cricket by creating a structured, county-wide pathway that bridges the gap between recreational play and elite performance for girls of all abilities from state schools across Hampshire.
The festival event saw hundreds of people visit throughout the day, with attendees able to engage with several activities from community partners and getting to watch live music as hype builds towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Hampshire Hawks Girls Academy is funded by the Hampshire Cricket Foundation and will be delivered by Hampshire Cricket pathway coaches and in partnership with Hampshire Cricket Board’s community programmes.
It follows the successful establishment of the boys’ programme in recent years and signals an unequivocal commitment that elite cricket development is for every girl in this county, regardless of background or starting point.
The academy will initially take root in Southampton before expanding progressively into communities across Hampshire. Alongside cricket skills, the programme is designed to develop the whole person, building confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and the kind of leadership qualities that extend far beyond the boundary.
Sam Moss, Community Development Manager – Urban Areas, at Hampshire Cricket Board, said: "This is an important step forward for the development of girls' cricket in Hampshire and comes at a time of significant momentum for the women and girls' game. This initiative will extend the non-traditional pathway for girls from underserved areas in the county, so every girl in Hampshire feels they belong in cricket.”
Charlotte Taylor, Head Coach and Lead on Girls Hawks Academy, said: “Having come through the pathway myself, it is an honour and a pleasure to lead this programme and reach into all areas of our community to develop these girls into not only cricketers, but all round athletes and members of society. It’s something that I wish I had when I was starting in the sport.”
The launch comes at a defining moment for women’s cricket in England. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup arrives on English soil from 12 June to 5 July 2026, with the Hampshire Bowl, as the venue will be known for the tournament, in Southampton confirmed as one of seven host venues.
The academy stands as Hampshire’s enduring legacy to that historic tournament and proof that world-class cricket on our doorstep can inspire a generation and change lives.