As part of I AM’s mission to celebrate the autistic community we are expanding our popular ’10 questions with…’ series to highlight disability sport providers or clubs or individuals who have made their mark in sport in and around Manchester. In our first Sporting Life interview, we catch up with Disability Cricket Development Officer, Amlyn Layton, from Lancashire Cricket Foundation & Lord’s Taverners.
1. Who are the cricket sessions aimed at?
The Super 1s cricket sessions are aimed at any young person with a disability, from ages 12-25.
2. Where do the Super 1s cricket sessions take place?
We have hubs all over the North West, but our Manchester hub takes place at Denmark Road Sports Centre, Ardwick, M15 6FG. We play indoors in the sports hall, so the unpredictable Manchester weather is never an issue.
3. What time are the sessions?
The sessions are from 7pm until 8pm on Friday evenings, following a multi-sports session that our partners DOSportUK (Disability Opportunities in Sport UK) deliver from 6pm until 7pm. The multisport session delivered by DOSportUK and is delivered in conjunction with Basketball England and Special Olympics GB and is for member of all ages and abilities.
Our cricket session is delivered on behalf of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation who run the Super 1’s programme. The session is split into 2 sections; Multisports (1hour) and Cricket (1hour) and members are free to choose to participate in either one of the sessions or both. Both the sessions focus on sport skills (cricket and basketball for sure!), fun, fitness, and social interaction.
4. Is there onsite parking?
Yes, there is free onsite parking and there are usually spaces. There are also nearby bus stops within a 5-10 minute walking distance.
5. How much do the sessions cost?
Super 1s Cricket is FREE. The multi-sports has a small charge if people choose to take part in that.
6. How do you book?
You can simply email me at alayton@lancashirecricket.co.uk and I will send you our online registration link or paper form.
7. Who coaches the sessions?
I coach the cricket session myself at the moment with a friendly group of volunteers. We’re also supported by Jacob Meaton, the Director of DoSportUK, and who runs the multi-sports session.
8. What experience do you have?
Both myself and Jacob Meaton have over 8 years of experience coaching disability sport.
9. Why should someone give the cricket sessions a go?
Super 1s is a great chance to meet new friends and be active on a weekly basis. If you have never played cricket before and wish to try it, this is the place to go. We adapt sessions to all experiences and needs. And as I have mentioned, it’s lot of fun, great for your fitness and helps develop social communication skills.
The big ones for me have always been you know around teamwork and friendships. I think that’s one of the big things that’s transferable for later in life.
John Simpson
10. Is there a cafe a Denmark Road Sport Centre?
There isn’t a cafe, but there’s a couple of vending machines for people who get peckish.
You can find out more about Super 1s by visiting the Lord’s Taverners website https://www.lordstaverners.org/how-we-help/charitable-programmes/super-1s/
and Lancashire Cricket Club. You can also follow me on Twitter @amlyn_layton
If you are a sporting provider or someone who have made their mark in sport and are interested in taking part in a Sporting Life interview, please drop us an email at enquiries@i-am-autism.org.uk
