The Take Her Lead (THL) Champions Programme has once again made a powerful return to Berkshire this winter, continuing its mission to inspire more girls to stay and thrive in cricket.
Founded by former England international Isa Guha, Take Her Lead was created to tackle the persistent barriers facing women and girls in the game—where participation, visibility, and long-term engagement still lag behind boys. At the heart of its work is the belief that representation and strong support networks are key to changing this landscape.
The Champions Programme, THL’s flagship initiative, connects girls—particularly those from underrepresented and minority backgrounds—with female role models in cricket. Through a structured series of workshops, participants take part in sessions designed to build essential life skills such as confidence, resilience, and communication, while also strengthening their sense of belonging in the sport.
These sessions are delivered by “THL Champions”—elite and emerging female cricketers who bring both experience and relatability to the programme. By sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes, they provide participants with role models they can genuinely connect with, helping to break down perceptions around who belongs in the game.
For the sessions this year a number of these ‘Champions’ had a Berkshire background. Poppy Tulloch, who progressed through the pathway from U10 level, is now a professional with Hampshire and continues to support the programme through coaching. Iqraa Hussain, a member of the Women’s 1st XI squad since the 2025 season, has also contributed her experience, offering insight into the demands and opportunities within the women’s game.
Layla Judge, who was previously part of the Berkshire pathway before moving to Middlesex at U15 level, returned to engage with participants—providing a powerful example of progression within the sport. Sonali Patel also delivered a session, further strengthening the connection between current players and the next generation.
Together, these role models not only inspire the girls involved but also create a supportive and aspirational environment where participants feel seen, heard, and motivated to continue their cricket journey.
In Berkshire, the impact has already been clear. The programme has helped create a positive and inclusive environment for young players to grow both personally and socially.
“Our Girls U14 MCCF Hub participants have had the fantastic opportunity to work alongside the Champions from Take Her Lead. These sessions have created a space for the girls to open up, support one another and grow in confidence,” said Verity Johnson, Women’s Development Phase Lead.
Nationally, the programme has already reached around 750 girls, with over 90% reporting that they feel more motivated and supported to continue playing cricket. This reflects Take Her Lead’s wider aim—not just to increase participation, but to ensure girls remain in the game by fostering confidence and connection.
Looking ahead, the next phase in Berkshire will focus on sustainability and long-term impact. By training local female role models to deliver sessions in schools and clubs, the initiative is building a strong grassroots network that can continue engaging girls from diverse and underrepresented communities.
More than just a cricket initiative, the Champions Programme is about changing culture—creating inclusive spaces, amplifying female voices, and ensuring every girl feels she belongs and has someone in her corner.