Let’s clear the air immediately - there is no “Grimsby Town Ladies” cricket team. The real heartbeat of women’s cricket in the area is Grimsby Town Cricket Club (GTCC), based at the historic Augustinians Sports Ground on Weelsby Road. And honestly, the mix-up is fair enough. Grimsby Town Women FC have been grabbing headlines in the FA Women’s National League, but when it comes to cricket, GTCC is the name to remember.
And what a story they’re crafting in 2026. Over the past 18 months, this club has completely transformed its women’s and girls’ section. Membership has surged from 41 registered female players in 2025 to 67 in 2026 - a stunning 63% leap, the highest figure in the club’s 170-year history. This isn’t some niche side operation. This is a community anchor finding a fresh purpose.
The structure is straightforward but effective: a Women’s Softball Cricket group for newcomers or those chasing a more social experience, plus an U13/U15 Girls’ Hardball pathway for the next wave of competitive talent. The model is plainly working. Twenty-two women now turn up to weekly community sessions, and crucially, 12 of last year’s intake have stepped up as volunteer coaches or scorers, donating over 400 hours back to the club. That’s not mere participation. That’s a movement.
📊 67 registered women & girls at GTCC in 2026 - the highest number in the club’s 170-year history, up 63% from 2025.
Beyond the Boundary: Cricket as a Community Lifeline
A Game-Changing Wellbeing Initiative
Here’s where GTCC truly stands apart. Back in May 2026, the club launched its “Cricket for Wellbeing” programme - a weekly women-only session every Thursday at 6:30 PM, run with NHS Humber Health Partnership. The goal? Tackling social isolation head-on among women aged 30 and over. The best part? It’s completely free (donation-based), removing every possible barrier to entry.
This isn’t a box-ticking exercise. The programme is delivering genuine results, with steady weekly attendance and a waiting list of eager women. It’s the kind of initiative that reminds you cricket can be far more than runs and wickets - it’s a reason to leave the house, connect with others, and belong to something meaningful.
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered members | 41 | 67 | +63% |
| Weekly session attendance | N/A | 22 avg. | New program |
| Volunteer coaches/scorers | 0 | 12 | New pathway |
Silverware and Community Spirit
On the pitch, results speak loudly. In June 2026, the GTCC women’s softball team made history by winning the Lincolnshire Women’s Softball League - North Division title - a first for the club and a major statement. Yet what’s most impressive is how success hasn’t gone to their heads. Just last week (July 30), they hosted the “Ladies’ Festival of Cricket” - a six-team softball tournament that raised an impressive £1,200 for Harbour Place Grimsby, a local homelessness charity. Check out Grimsby Telegraph’s local coverage for the full rundown.
That community-first ethos runs through everything. An ECB “All Stars & Dynamos” Community Grant of £3,500, secured in April, is funding free girls’ cricket taster sessions in primary schools across Grimsby and Cleethorpes, planting seeds for future generations. To see how the ECB is championing grassroots growth, visit their official ECB Grassroots Hub.
📊 £3,500 ECB Community Grant - funding free girls’ cricket taster sessions in primary schools across Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
What’s Next: Can’t-Miss Events and the Road Ahead
Mark Your Calendar for August 2026
The momentum shows no signs of fading. Here’s what’s coming:
- August 9: A Women’s 100-ball social game followed by a community BBQ - just £5 for adults, free for under-16s. Perfect for newcomers or families wanting a fun afternoon out.
- August 16: The annual “Women’s Charity T20” against Cleethorpes CC - tickets are £3 in advance (£5 on the gate), with proceeds supporting a local women’s refuge. This is more than a cricket match; it’s a statement of solidarity. Get details on GTCC events and tickets.
