Search Engage

Haia ! I’m Cari and I’m running for Social Secretary this year.
Coming from a close-knit community, I know first hand how community shapes individuals- it has always been my priority to keep those connections and keep the community alive. Even if it means dressing up as Santa’s elf for the community children’s party. Although that is back home, I feel the same way towards UOLWCC.
My priority would not only be preserving everything that is so great about Women's cricket such as the welcoming environment and the family-like feel, but also expanding the club by showing students that UOLWCC is more than a cricket club. Joining cricket has instilled a new found confidence in how I navigate my all-round university experience. If I would be lucky enough to get the role, encouraging others to step out of their own comfort zone, whether it is either following crazy briefs or speaking to someone new in the club, would be invaluable!
The enjoyment gained from the sense of community and connections made in Cricket cannot be replaced, showing freshers this early on by creating socials like Speed-dating but for making friends (speed-friending) for everyone to get to know one another. This could lead to freshers feeling familiar with the club and it’s members as soon as possible in a relaxed setting. This then would make freshers feel more comfortable to be thrown in the deep end for socials that may or may not include some shockers. Organising events in Sixth Form as Deputy Head Girl such as Sports day for all new Year 12’s to get to know the Year 13’s was a real hit and it represents how as Social Sec I would make the effort to ensure Freshers also feel a part of the UOLWCC family by being the approachable and friendly face they can turn to!
Creating connections by reaching out to new people is something I have always enjoyed. I was awarded “The best at talking to strangers” after the trip abroad by my dance group teacher. I still do not know if an award regarding my ability to talk is a compliment, however I would utilise this for the greater good of the club by advertising its greatness and reaching out to clubs and societies for joint socials. I have some promising leads that will be disclosed at the AGM. This being said, I understand that this is not a one-woman show, working as a pair and including any other ideas or feedback from all members is the only way to lead successful socials.
Women’s Cricket has been invaluable to my University experience so far and I really have felt welcomed into the family, as Social Sec it would be my goal for everyone to enjoy the socials as much as I have!

Hi everyone! It’s unusual to wake up on a Thursday without a hangover so I thought I’d make the most of it and ROLL over my nomination! Disclaimer before I start: I’ve never been good at keeping things brief so here we go…

I am beyond excited to put myself forward for the role of Social Sec. From the very first moment I stepped (or stumbled?) into this club, I knew I’d found something special. UOLWCC isn’t just a cricket team – it’s a full-blown, absolutely legendary family. The girls in this club are quite simply some of the best people I have ever met, and some of my fondest memories this year at Uni have been with UOLWCC, largely thanks to the incredible committee of 2024/25 – next year’s committee have some seriously big shoes to fill.

I like to consider myself a people person and thrive in an environment where I can work with and lead others. In my final year of Sixth Form, I was Head of House, voted by my peers and teaching staff, meaning that I was in charge of coordinating House fundraising events and organising House Music amongst other day-to-day responsibilities (perhaps this means a talent show sober social is in order?). This experience prepared me for a role on the committee – making sure everyone felt included in the House was something I aimed to achieve and taught me how to balance being an organised leader as well as one who is up for a laugh.

I remember being so nervous about my first few socials and being met with such friendly faces from the entire committee made such a difference – I think it’s rare to find a sports society that is as genuine as this one, and I’d love to develop next year’s freshers into the confident young women we have all become. Given the role that I am going for, I wanted to take a moment to particularly thank Bella and Roisin for all their hard work this year, you both are a credit to the society and have done such an amazing job – I’m pretty sure even my family know you two by name from the amount I talk about cricket!

I originally joined the society with a Social Membership thinking that playing cricket wasn’t for me, but I’ve found a new love for it (although the skill needs to develop next). If I were to be next year’s Social Sec, I would encourage those, like me, who just thought they’d make an appearance on a Wednesday to give training a go, as getting more involved in training has been one of my favourite parts of this semester.

If you told Ellie at the very first social, who did a bark-off with Lauren and DIED of embarrassment, that I’d be going for Social Sec a few months down the line (and doing many more embarrassing things I might add), I wouldn’t have believed you – I’m getting emotional writing this now I need to get a grip!

Moving swiftly on, I thought I’d explain some ideas I have for socials next year. I don’t want to reveal all my ideas now, so I’ll just give you a hint about the themes:

- TROOPS AND SOOPS = Freshers get allocated a Soop can to dress up as – cardboard is expected.
- HUNGRY HIPPO = Freshers would be hippos, old girls would be explorers, obvs.
- FRUIT NINJA = Clues in the name – old girls would be ninjas, freshers are fruit with mandatory face paint.
- WHERE’S WALKY = Freshers dress up as Where’s Wally and have to find the hidden social secs.
- RHYME WITHOUT REASON = Pair up with an old girl and get rhyming!!
- WIG AND SWIG = Freshers get to whip their hair back and forth in whichever wig they choose.

With those in mind, I promise to bring the same energy, enthusiasm and slightly concerning dedication to a VK that you’d expect from a UOLWCC Social Sec. Let’s make this another year to remember (or, in some cases, to struggle to remember).

Enjoy your Easter everyone and bring on AGM!!

Love from Ellie, your (not so) nervy fresh x

Hello friends, Phoebe aka bum fresh here!! Buckle up this may be a long one. Get comfy and relax (bonus points if you read it with a pint in hand)

Seeing how Bella and Roisin have conducted socials this year has truly inspired me to go for this role. I would love to honour what they have built and be a part of moulding the sacred ground which is a Wednesday night. Experiencing how successful they have been shows me there are BIG shoes to fill, I am aware of that, however I am up for the challenge.

My commitment to all aspects of this club speaks for itself. I am one of the only freshers to have 100% social attendance, even battling illness or having to catch a flight the next morning, I have always been there. The same goes with rollover (I will make it to RPP next year I promise). I have started going to the beginner sessions and netball training, so I am integrated into all aspects of the club. Being in a cricket society was never something I had ever considered, and I’m sure the same goes for the multiple people I roped in to do it with me;) However I am so glad I gave it a chance because it is now the main part of my uni experience (what essays??). If I get the role, I already can’t wait to show off my convincing skills at fresher’s fair, they will hate to see me coming.

I do have previous experience in organising events and commanding a room. I was Charity Prefect at school and organised a fashion show to raise money for the Christie, which my whole sixth form was a part of (potential social idea?? dress to seriously impress). As well as that being a success, my large role in the freshers revenge social also went very well. My creativity and leadership was showcased to you right down to the theme and activities- gives you a taster of what next year could be like, so you’ve seen me in action. Hopefully you enjoyed yourself because I certainly did (from what I can remember anyway). I have SOOO many ideas you don’t even understand…. SPOILER bunnies and carrots- there was a lack of orange face paint this year so let’s change that. Can the bunnies dig the carrots out the vegetable patch? Let’s hope freshers like their veggies as much as you old girls liked your grapes. Bumble bees lock in and earn your stripes, find your flowers (aka social secs) they are hiding somewhere in hyde park.

My friendships in this club are strong and I have genuinely met some friends for life. Therefore, a comfortable and loving environment will naturally be created in the next chapter of socials for everyone. This also shows I would be part of a great dynamic duo with another social sec where our spare time would be dedicated to crafting the best socials EVA!! My communication within committee and liaising with other societies for mega join socials therefore wouldn’t disappoint.

I would build further on this safe atmosphere and stress the importance of sober socials. As much as getting boozy in fancy dress is fun it’s also essential to draw this back and build genuine connections with people you may not interact with at a social. Especially for those less keen on drinking this could be club meals, or a games night organised with the help of welfare sec. I will be just as competitive in these as I was during the crispy’s race- the crown is mine!! All I want is that freshers have the same experience as a lot of us have had, which sees UOLWCC as a family, because it is genuinely so special #boundbywicket. Speaking of families, I can’t wait to nurture a daughter of my own and show her the marvellous things a treb can does to a person.

If you told year 13 Phoebe I was running for this position I wouldn’t have believed you. On a cringey note, I can get really anxious sometimes in a situation where I have to speak to a large group of people however the confidence and sense of security this club has provided me is amazing. I now feel so up to the task which blows my mind. I honestly never shut up about this club and cherish each and every one of you, I live and breathe for a Wednesday night so it would be my honour to be your next social sec!!!!!

(I vow to never wear that white skirt again)

Thank you for listening to my ted talk apologies for the length I wasn’t lying when I said I don’t shut up about this club

Until the AGM, peace Bum fresh xxx

Back in September when I started at the University of Leeds, I struggled to find a society that I knew I would commit to and genuinely enjoy. I was trying to find a netball team that was fun and friendly both on and off the pitch, and this is when I stumbled across the one and only UOLWCC. I played a bit of netball and I attended my first Friday cricket session and I was hooked! The first Wednesday social, the old man and his dog, not only introduced me to Dry Dock and Popworld, but introduced me to the world of fun that is UOLWCC and I felt immediately welcomed by the friendly and chatty old girls and freshers. I could not have asked for a better year of Tuesday netball, Wednesday socials, and of course, Thursday rolls! This year has shown me what an exciting and thrilling role Social Secretary is, and the knock-on effect that it has on the attitude of other members, which is only ever positive.
My sociable and friendly nature would simply thrive in this role, I am all about having the best time possible in any situation, whilst also ensuring everyone is happy, safe and here for a laugh! My previous experience with events has shown this, I've organised two big events which have both been huge successes. A few years back, two friends and I organised and hosted a Charity Quiz Night, in which around 50 people attended, and it put my communication skills to work by reaching out to a local fish and chip shop to cater the event, and other local businesses to provide prizes for our raffle, which was a huge hit! Secondly, one friend and I more recently arranged and hosted a military dinner for our Sixth Form's Combined Cadet Force- it was essentially a leaving dinner for all Year 13 students and staff in the force, in which 90 people attended, and we were in contact and communication with a local sports club to be the venue for the event, and also sent out weekly emails to all those attending the dinner regarding things like food choices, dress code, timings etc. This was an unforgettable night, and I was so proud of myself and my friend for such a successful event! It also shows my ability to work with others, which of course will be extremely useful when working with another fellow social sec!
Now it would be rude of me not to tell you just a couple of ideas I have up my sleeve for next year... Cows and cowgirls, fresh MUST be in full cow attire including compulsory black and white face paint; old girls of course, cute cowgirl outfits. Chopping down a yellow brick road and broomstick racing down a Hyde Park back street (in spirit of the wicked witch of the west) would only be fitting for a Wizard of Oz Wednesday- fresh you are all ToTos and old girls give me your best Dorothy outfits! Can not forget a good sober social- on sunny days why not have a huge game of cricket or rounders on the fields of Hyde Park- competition would be huge, what a day it would be!
I also know that my endeavours in Croatia would not be forgotten when it comes to my antics as social sec- I can build on old friendships and create new friendships on tour, and find out what people want to see on the social side of the club and do my best to make it happen next year. A fresh perspective and new ideas is never a bad thing, and I plan to use this to an advantage and improve the club even more- a difficult task because UOLWCC is already 10/10!
The club has also massively improved my dance skills, the Christmas Charity Dance Off was a true sensation. Not only was it so so much fun, but it also allowed me to bond with other members of the club outside of training and socials, and shows my commitment to these other events, which I would hugely encourage people to do next year, as it was just such an incredible event!
I am sure I would be an amazing fit for the role of social sec, but if my dream does not come true, I know I will still have just as much fun being part of UOLWCC. I genuinely owe my amazing uni experience to this club, I could not have asked for a better cricket family to have so much fun with and to provide me with real life-long friends- this is more than I could have asked for from a society, so I simply want to give back and help to give everyone the most amazing Wednesdays, Thursdays and everything in between! Always bleed green ladies x

I came to Leeds not knowing anybody and rather nervous about meeting people or finding my place. I can well and truly say that I have found my family in UOLWCC. I have never met such a lovely group of girls and I do nothing but brag about being part of the club. I think this comes down to the incredible committee and I have eternal gratitude for everything you have done for the us this year. You have left quite the mark on the club, and as my near tears showed last Wednesday night (that Poppy kindly reminded me of) the new committee have a tough act to follow.

One of the key strengths I bring to this role is my extensive network of connections with venues and other societies. I have particularly loved our socials at The New Moorside—they were the perfect introduction to the club (and to my clear need to improve my chopping ability). I am excited about the prospect of strengthening this relationship (cheaper drinks?) and will communicate with mens cricket to try and secure the space when possible. My goal is to expand our reach, ensuring that we have the best locations for our socials and communication with venues to try and secure some cheeky drink deals. I really enjoyed StrictLeeds (my mum truly made me proud) and I think a collaboration with Dance is well overdue. I will seek out opportunities with other societies wherever possible and hope to keep growing the club.

I felt honoured to be trusted with running Freshers revenge. This was a great opportunity to learn about running a social, even though I’d lost my voice by the end of the evening (so worth it). I loved dreaming up all the different activities, I really got a taste for the role. I hope to be able to use this experience next year.

One of my favourite aspects of UOLWCC is that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re into the sport or the socials, there’s a place for everyone to feel at home. A key priority for me is increasing the number of sober socials. As much as I love a Wednesday night, I’d also like a few more memories I can actually remember! I want to work with the welfare sec to create more opportunities for people to bond in a relaxed environment, ensuring that every member has a chance to connect in a way that suits them. More casual get-togethers, games nights, and activities that allow members to get to know each other will be a focus.

I have loved throwing myself into all aspects of this society. While I spend most of the week counting down the minutes until Wednesday night, Thursday rollover and Friday cricket training make the wait much more bearable. Playing cricket has been great fun and I feel so lucky to have some talented players coaching me. It has definitely reintroduced my love for the sport. As I go to practise every Friday I can be easily available to chat to any freshers and a friendly face. I can’t wait to keep playing (pull shot will be getting me many a six in the future I can tell🤩). Next year I also really want to get involved with the Netball to make sure I’m part of all aspects of the club.

Some of my ideas for next year 🔥🔥
- cops and robber - fresh have to complete challenges while not getting caught by old girls (or immediate chop)
- hero’s and zeros - fresh can get creative
- Bob the builder and traffic cones - great cardboard opportunity
- chefs and rotten food
- cow girl v zombie

One of my favourite parts of socials this year was making myself unrecognisable and as face painted as possible, I’m going to encourage the freshers to embrace this, extra face paint will be provided however for those who don’t (yet) have this same love. I will also make the copious use or cardboard compulsory, I’m proud of my outfits from this year but i reckon next years fresh have it in them to do even better.

I also recognise that the role is much more than just planning a Wednesday social and I am so ready to throw myself into everything the role has to offer. I consider myself quite organised so I’m well prepared to balance the different responsibilities and I’m very exited to start meeting with everyone (particularly Tanya).

As my attendance on Wednesdays shows they are truly my favourite the of the week. I would be honoured to represent and serve this fantastic society. Bella and Roisin have done a incredible job this year and have set the bar very high, but I promise I will go above and beyond to ensure everyone speaks just as highly about our club, and socials next year.

Forever grateful for you all!!

See you all soon when I embarrass myself further at the AGM

Millie xx 💚💚