Every year we look forward to being part of the Professional Cricketer’s Association’s (PCA) Rookie Camp where we support the already incredible team in sharing messaging, inspiration and education to the newest cohort of members who have earned a professional contract.
This year was especially exciting as we were part of the very first women’s only event. Associate Directors (B5) Leigh and Celia were amongst a great line up of speakers including Emma Reid – Director of Women’s Cricket (PCA) and delivered an inspiring, informal style session where they sat down with the players and shared their own personal journeys in professional sport. Following that was an engaging question and answer section where players and staff members got to delve deeper. The session flowed through laughter and moments of reflection as Leigh and Celia shared their high and low points including struggles with injury, relationships with family, reaching the pinnacle and so, so much more. It felt great for Leigh and Celia that the session was so well received, and it was awesome to see so many of the girls feeling comfortable enough to go and pick their brains even more after the session had ended.
We’re hugely proud of our association with the PCA and are able to help and support members on a whole array of off-pitch issues. Day two of this year’s Rookie Camp gave us another opportunity to do just this, in person, with the new intake of women’s and men’s professionals.
The annual event was hosted at Edgbaston Cricket Ground this year, with ever high numbers. The morning began with Matt, Fraser and Leigh delivering three presentations to the group covering three different subjects.
Matt was up first and delivered his stimulating, tailored session on social media, combining war stories, practical tips, a few laughs, and some very serious messages.
Matt’s session was followed by a vulnerable hour with Fraser and Leigh as they spoke about relationships – the dangers of "porn culture" and the consequences when things go wrong. These topics which are often seen as ‘taboo’ in many environments are massively important to be spoken about, which is why we, at B5 give the space to do so.
Fraser shared his own experiences as a sportsperson in a male dressing room and his philosophy for being a good human. Leigh also shared her own story to highlight the abuse women are subject to and the sexualised comments and prejudice that they can, and often do, face.
The final session of the day was an interactive one, delivered by Shaun, who spoke incredibly (as he always does) on adversity. Having had the privilege of hearing Shaun’s story previously, we know how impactful his words are when he speaks of being hit by a drunk driver in 2016. The group were fully engaged hearing how he was left as a double amputee and a passionate campaigner against drink and dangerous driving. He inspired the room with his outlook on the limitlessness of the human spirit and resilience.
The B5 team had a fabulous day meeting the new players and interacting with all the staff and came away feeling incredibly inspired themselves.
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