Northern property firm, Bradley Hall, is continuing its support for grassroots sports and local communities by sponsoring Seaham Park Cricket Club ladies’ team.
The firm, which has sponsored a number of sporting people, events and clubs in recent years, is passionate about supporting and promoting local causes and organisations across the region – including women’s sports.
Now, through various fundraising events and internal activities, its aim is to give more women and young ladies access to ladies’ cricket at Seaham Park Cricket Club, as well as more opportunities to meet new people, build friendships and socialise more regularly within the club.
Seaham Park Cricket Club was founded in 1911 and remains one of the North East’s most established and reputable clubs, known for its inclusivity, dedicated committee and welcoming, family-orientated environment.
Based within touching distance of Seaham Town Park, it has spent the last few years rising from the ashes, following a devastating fire in 2012 that destroyed much of its historic structure – including its clubhouse.
With the help of its members, local community and council, it has re-emerged as a destination for cricket in the region for both genders and all ages and abilities. Today, its men’s and women’s teams play in the highest standard of premier league cricket, while many of its junior players are being supported on their journey towards playing the cricket of their dreams – including a female junior who has embedded herself into Durham County Academy thanks to the opportunities presented by the club.
Michael McGhin, commercial agency surveyor at Bradley Hall’s Sunderland branch, has been a member of Seaham Park Cricket Club for 30 years and continues to play competitive cricket outside of work. A Seaham native, he has recently progressed to a head coaching position within the club and now coaches the club’s ladies’ team – which continues to grow - on a voluntary basis.
Commenting on Bradley Hall’s sponsorship of the club’s ladies’ team, he said: “Seaham Park Cricket Club’s ladies’ team has a special place in my heart and I’m delighted that Bradley Hall is showing its support for such an important initiative.
“The cost of living crisis is a concern and, in some cases, stopping many people – including women and young ladies – from playing the sports they love. We don’t want anyone to miss out, so our aim is to fund their cricket this year.
“Seaham Park Cricket Club is passionate about investing in ladies’ cricket and thanks to the support it offers, we’re finding more females of all ages buying into the sport of cricket. But there’s more to be done – and I’m looking forward to playing a part in raising money to help more women and young ladies play.”
During his time as coach, Michael has helped enter the ladies’ team into a number of tournaments – including softball leagues – and in the future hopes to help create a healthy calendar of social events to encourage better team building and improve the ladies’ social lives.
As part of Bradley Hall’s fundraising efforts – which include sponsored walks and a future friendly cricket match between Seaham Park Cricket Club and Bradley Hall – he successfully embarked on The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Good Friday with four other coaches, helping to raise funds for the club’s ladies’ team.
Helen Wall, director of Bradley Hall Sunderland, said: “When Michael mentioned that the club was looking for a sponsor, I knew this was brilliant opportunity for Bradley Hall to get involved.
“Supporting local communities aligns heavily with our company values and we’re delighted to be sponsoring such an important organisation within Sunderland.”
Bradley Hall is a multi-disciplinary firm and can assist with agency in Seaham. For more information, contact Helen Wall on 0191 563 4242 or email sunderland@bradleyhall.co.uk
