The IOMCA has joined forces with Opening Up Cricket who promote positive mental health to clubs, players, parents and coaches. The timing of this announcement couldn't be at a more apt time with this week being mental health awareness week in the UK and the challenges everyone is facing with the lockdown. The IOMCA have joined with Opening Up Cricket to offer a series of resources to promote mental wellbeing through cricket at all levels.
Cricket as a sport can provide greater mental challenges than physical which can be felt by players, family members, clubs and coaches regardless of level therefore the IOMCA is keen to ensure any support available is open to all.
Planning has commenced with Opening Up Cricket in how best to deliver these opportunities to cricketers at all levels on the Isle of Man and at present this looks like the following: Three sessions delivered by Opening Up Cricket to high performance squads, junior squads, parents, club members and welfare officers to cover topics relevant to their particular area. Prepare a mental health plan to be used across all of the cricket community. Using feedback from these sessions and Opening Up Cricket's experience to produce an online portal to assist with further learning.
This is a great opportunity to help players and clubs develop and more importantly ensure players and the cricket community enjoy and understand the game and the challenges it may bring and provide them with the tools to do this.