A rising cricketing star from The Valley Leadership Academy got off to a fantastic start in her fledgling county career.
After impressing for her club team, Abbie Bingham was selected to play for Lancashire County Cricket Club in both the under 15 and under 17s teams.
The Year 10 pupil received an even greater boost after she received personal words of encouragement from New Zealand international batter Devon Conway, who also plays for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Abbie also spoke to former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who discussed the mental and technical attributes required to maximise a player’s potential in the sport.
Inspired by the words of the two international cricket stars, Abbie delivered a bowling masterclass in the Red Roses under 15s game against county rivals Yorkshire CCC. She finished the match with 4 wickets for just 17 runs in her 6 overs of bowling. In her spare time, the left-arm bowler also represents the senior ladies team at her local Ramsbottom Cricket Club, recently taking a five-wicket haul against Leyland.
Abbie said:
“I have always enjoyed sport in general, but cricket is a huge passion of mine. I feel special when staff at The Valley Leadership Academy talk to me and take interest in my achievements outside of school. It has helped me build strong relationships with these staff members and is helping me understand the importance of my education in my dreams to represent my county and country in the future.”