Scotland Women's Development Squad Off To UAE

Scotland Women's Development Squad Off To UAE

Abu Dhabi, where Scotland will play some of their matches

©REUTERS / Action Images

A Scotland Women’s Development squad will leave for the United Arab Emirates where they will take part in the ARCH Trophy later this month.

The squad will be based in Abu Dhabi with games at venues in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A target of £25,000 was set in October to allow participation in this tournament and the squad to date has raised over £20,000, with special thanks to the organisations who have supported the trip with their kind donations and sponsorships.

Many cricket focussed businesses, such as Cricket factory, as well as Scottish companies and individuals, have provided funds for the trip. However, significant contributions have also been made by family, friends, clubs and supporters of Scottish cricket.

Head coach, Kari Carswell commended the squad’s efforts, "It's an outstanding effort to raise such a large amount of money for the trip to take place.  The players and their clubs have all made such a significant impact and have helped raise the money and that shouldn’t go unnoticed.  I would also like to thank Philip Hudson and ICC Europe for the contribution they have made towards the trip, ICC Europe are fantastic supporters of the women’s game in Europe.

"There have been several fundraising events that the girls have organised and we are grateful to those who turned up and supported the events but also to the squad members, and their families, that have helped organised them."

Carswell admits she had doubts about raising such a significant amount of money, "It was quite daunting at the start to think about how we were going to raise the money but we have somehow managed to nearly reach the milestone.  At times you wonder how you are going to do it but it shows the tremendous spirit and the generosity of those out there who support Scottish women’s cricket and I’m extremely grateful to them.

"Kat Heathcote has been a major influence in giving us some great ideas on how to raise funds and her enthusiasm has certainly calmed my nerves on more than one occasion."

The squad selected features a blend of senior and U17 players. Abbi Aitken, captain for this tour commented, "The squad has the right balance about it.  We had to take into consideration the conditions that we might face out in the UAE so that influenced our selection.

"The girls have all been training hard over the winter and are looking forward to the trip with great excitement. It’s going to be a steep learning curve for all of us once we are out in Abu Dhabi but I’m confident that the girls will adapt to the conditions. 

"Raising the amount we have is fantastic and not only have companies and organisations been generous with their monetary donations but I would also like to personally thank ASCO Transport Aberdeen and especially Willie Smith and Pauline Buchan for the support and training equipment they have provided me with, it is very much appreciated”.

Scotland Women's Development Squad: Abbi Aitken (captain), Kathryn Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Zoe Conway, Lynne Dickson, Jo Dixon, Lorna Jack, Briony Gillin, Kirstie Gordon, Sam Haggo, Caitlin Heathcote, Elizabeth Priddle, Lily Steindl, Kirsty Strachan, Nadia Wheeler, Lois Wilkinson

Fixtures

18 February : Wales v Scotland Development XI, Abu Dhabi
20 February : Lancashire v Scotland Development XI, 7he Sevens, Dubai
21 February : Sussex v Scotland Development XI, Abu Dhabi
23 February : Finals Day, TBC

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