CricHIIT was launched as a pilot programme by Cork Sports Partnership and Munster Cricket Union at Bishopstown Community School in October. Held every Tuesday evening in the hall at the school, the sessions were enjoyable, with a strong following of committed ladies.
Over a 6 week period, the class gained cricket skills and went through dynamic fitness routines to help improve their health and wellbeing. The sessions lasted 45 minutes, and began with core/floor work with a cricket theme. For many, this was their first experience of cricket, so it was a steep learning curve! But the ladies took to it like ducks to water, and were playing mini-matches from the outset.
The course was so successful that Cork Sports Partnership has agreed to roll out CricHIIT in more venues for 2025, including Series II at BCS. STAY TUNED for details of new locations and times!
“I’m so glad I had the opportunity to attend the CricHIIT class in Munster! I am from Ukraine and this was my first experience in this game. I am very grateful to Glenn for his training, sincere attitude, and desire to pass on his skills in this interesting game. It’s a great idea to make a CricHIIT class for women 18+ (very polite). We really need it, leave everything and go to CricHIIT. I am very grateful and I will be very happy to participate if there will be more.”
-Svitlana
“I didn’t know the first thing about cricket before this programme, but now I’m really curious about it and how I might become involved further. Who would have guessed on our first night we’d be batting and bowling in style and have a competitive edge within 6 weeks!
Glenn’s enthusiasm for the game and his unwavering support for us as a group of first-timers was very encouraging.
It’s been great fun, a wonderful 6 weeks. The only downside being that it all finished sooner than we’d like. More CricHIIT please!”
-Claire
What is CricHIIT?
The award-winning CricHIIT programme (International Cricket Council ‘Innovation of the Year’ Award) aims to increase participation via a fast and fun combination of cricket skills and HIIT training. CricHIIT is a fun exercise programme designed to encourage females aged 16+ to try cricket by combining HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) principles with basic cricket skills. Sessions ideally run in a block of 6-8 weeks to experience the benefits of the HIIT training programme. By adding basic cricket skills, we hope to give females the confidence to have a go a cricket! 45-minute session plans have been created at three levels to cater for all levels of fitness.
Who runs CricHIIT?
CricHIIT is a Cricket Ireland supported programme that is administered by the MCU in the Province and can be delivered by local coaches or volunteers who will receive an Activator training session, a CricHIIT coaching resource containing 12 session plans and a CricHIIT Activator t-shirt and zip-top. Once registered and trained, CricHIIT Activators can deliver sessions at their local club, school or community group so register your interest in becoming an Activator by selecting and filling out the Activator EoI here
James Kirby, Sports Development Officer at Cork Sports Partnership was in attendance at the first session in Bishopstown. He said: “Cork Sports Partnership are delighted to partner with Munster Cricket on this new CrickHIIT Programme launched in Bishopstown. This programme provides women with a welcoming introduction to the sport incorporating both fun cricket games coupled with fitness and exercise drills & skills. Our strong working relationship with Munster Cricket is key in providing numerous sport & physical activity opportunities through Cricket for all ages and abilities in Cork City & County to get active!”
MCU National Programme Co-ordinator Glenn Brokenshire is very upbeat about the appeal of the programme. “It’s a great way for women to become more active in a fun and inclusive environment, and to learn some of the skills of a sport they may not have experienced before. It’s suitable for anyone aged 16-70+, and is really motivating. We supply all the equipment required, so participants just turn up and off we go!”
If your Sports Partnership, School, cricket club or community group would like to become involved in the programme, please email programmes@munstercricket.ie for more details.
