Plantsbrook School cricket star – A talented young cricketer was aiming to hit the opposition for six after joining the England squad in an international tournament.
Connie Squire-Wood, who attends Plantsbrook School, in Sutton Coldfield, flew out to Dubai on Tuesday, September 26th to take part in the Indoor Cricket World Cup, which saw teams from seven nations compete, in multiple age groups ranging from U13s to U17s.
The 15-year-old was called up to the England Under 17s squad, after getting through a tough selection process which started at the beginning of 2023.
Speaking before the event, Connie, who is a bowling all-rounder for Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “It’s so exciting to be taking part in the World Cup. Being one of the youngest players there is a massive achievement for me, but it’s equally as challenging. The schedule in Dubai is tough but as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I want to make the most of it.
“My aims in Dubai are to make the most of the pressure and environment around me. To be able to soak in such expertise from a major tournament will indefinitely develop my game in the future, and it won’t look too bad on my resume!”
Connie first discovered her love for cricket after her family moved next door to Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club.
She said: “My brother was asked if he would like to go down and have a look at the club, and I tagged along and I just loved it – whacking the ball and running all over the place. It was my kind of thing!
“Then, when I was 10, I trialled for Warwickshire and got in first time. I was so happy because I didn’t think I’d get in, but when I look back now, I realise it was the start of the journey that has led me to where I am now.”
Plantsbrook School cricket star trains weekly with squad
Connie meets up with her England teammates for weekly training sessions at Stockland Green School, in Erdington.
She explained: “People come from all over the country, from as far away as Yorkshire, for the sessions on a Friday night but that’s the kind of commitment that you need.
“We train with the boys and play in matches against them – we’re all really excited to play.”
Her cricketing development has been fully supported by her proud family, as well as by staff at Plantsbrook School, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust.
“To be able to soak in such expertise from a major tournament will indefinitely develop my game in the future, and it won’t look too bad on my resume!” –
connie squire-wood
Connie said: “I’m lucky that I’ve had so much support from the school and my club, but also from my family.
“My bigger brother, Jacob, pretty much got me into cricket and my mom and dad are fully behind me. When they found out that I was in the England squad they were so over the moon. When you put so much time and dedication into something and get an opportunity like this out of it, it is really brilliant.”
Connie also puts her success down to support from ACE – African Caribbean Engagement – a charity launched by former England cricketer and pundit Ebony Rainford-Brent to increase the representation of black people within the sport.
Connie said: “ACE is a programme for black cricketers, from the grass roots to the elite, which provides a really intense programme for all ages.
“There are three ACE schemes at Bristol, Birmingham and London. I started off three years ago, when I was in the Warwickshire development squad – effectively the B Team – but after my first session at ACE I just felt so much more confident. It was great to meet and play with people I could relate to on my journey.”
Despite the all the hard work and dedication that has gone into her development, Connie advises young cricketers who would like to emulate her success to focus on their enjoyment of the game.
“Don’t be afraid, just enjoy yourself. Pressure is a big thing in sport if you want to reach a high level, but you have to put that to the back of your mind and focus on why you are doing it – you are doing it because you love it,” she said.
Plantsbrook’s Head of PE, Chris Brough, said: “We are all very proud of what Connie has achieved, and excited to see how she performs in Dubai.”
Headteacher Kerensa Neal added: “Sport is an important part of life at Plantsbrook, and Connie’s involvement in the World Cup is a source of great pride for the school.
“Our school motto is ‘be the best that you can be’ – and Connie is clearly living up to that.”