More than 100 young people took to the pitch in Derby last week for a high-energy day of sport and unity – all in the name of gender equality.
The annual Bowling Out Gender Inequality event, organised by Opening Boundaries in partnership with the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) women’s cricket team, brought powerful messages of inclusion to life through cricket.
The day began with exciting activity sessions led by the Derby Cricket Foundation, joined by players from both the UKAF and Opening Boundaries teams. Youngsters got stuck in, trying new skills and meeting strong female role models who proved that sport isn’t just for the boys.
Then came the main event – a fiercely contested cricket match that did more than just entertain. It served as a strong symbol of how sport can challenge outdated ideas and level the playing field for everyone.
Halima Khan, Founder and Managing Director of Opening Boundaries, shared her reflections on the day: “Today’s been a great day which started with young people accessing sport and interacting with both teams. The game was played in the spirit of the campaign, and I am thankful to UKAF for always supporting this cause year on year.”
She also praised the Derby County Cricket Club, singling out CEO Ryan Duckett for his support: “Ryan’s commitment is more than just words. He’s shown real leadership and made sure we always feel welcome, respected, and valued.”
Now in its ninth year, the campaign is gearing up for a major milestone – 10 years in 2026. And with momentum building, Opening Boundaries shows no signs of slowing down.
The non-profit has made it its mission to use the power of sport to tackle big issues like gender inequality, build peace, and promote inclusion – not just in the UK, but around the world.
To find out more about their work, visit www.openingboundaries.org
