How to Keep Girls in Cricket: What Actually Works

How do we keep more girls playing cricket — and what actually works?In this episode of The Cricket Mind Podcast, Nathan Wood and Briony Brock are joined by former England international cricketer and coach Laura MacLeod.Laura represented England for over a decade and was part of the 2005 Ashes-winning squad. Since retiring she has held senior leadership roles in the women’s game, including Head of Women’s Cricket at Warwickshire.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:Why girls often drop out of sport in their teenage yearsThe challenges of transitioning from softball to hardball cricketHow clubs can genuinely prioritise girls’ cricketThe realities of coaching in the professional women’s gameWhat Laura’s research revealed about female coaching pathwaysThis episode is essential listening for players, parents, coaches and anyone interested in the future of women’s cricket.Timestamps00:00 – Why girls drop out of sport01:17 – Introducing Laura MacLeod02:23 – Laura’s England debut in 199706:48 – From pace bowler to opening batter14:13 – Growth and professionalisation of women’s cricket20:45 – Balancing cricket careers with education and life after sport26:55 – Helping girls transition from softball to hardball31:04 – Keeping cricket fun in performance environments34:06 – Softball vs hardball pathways in club cricket39:05 – Challenges women face in cricket that aren’t often discussed47:32 – What great clubs do differently for girls’ cricket55:05 – Laura’s research on female coaches in professional sport01:07:14 – Advice for women aspiring to coach01:10:34 – Identity and life beyond elite cricket01:16:30 – The future of women’s cricket01:21:34 – Online workshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season CountWorkshop: Making Cricket Pre-Season CountNathan, Briony and Ben Silver are hosting a live online workshop for ambitious cricketers aged 13–18 preparing for the upcoming season.In this session players will learn:• How to structure nets with purpose• How practice transfers into match performance• How to approach pre-season with clarity rather than guesswork• Practical actions to improve their training immediatelyThe session also includes a live Q&A where players can ask their own questions.👉 Book your place here:www.cricketmind.online/events