Players Unite against aids at Women's World Cup Qualifier

Players at the ICC Women’s World Cup qualifier took time out from their tournament schedule to deliver a coaching clinic at a local school in South Africa today.

The visit, part of the ICC’s partnership with UNICEF and UNAIDS to raise awareness and reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS, saw players from South Africa, The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and Ireland help support the work of Score, a community development organisation, at Mbekweni Primary School, near Paarl.

Ireland’s Isobel Joyce said: “It’s been a great experience. The kids are so enthusiastic and it’s great to see all the work at the school as well.”

And Joyce believes partnerships like this can provide great opportunities for young people across the world.

“Sport is really important in every way” she said. “It brings kids together, helps them make friends, helps them stay healthy and keeps them away from trouble.”

The players delivered a variety of activities and were greatly impressed by some of the cricketing talent on show.

South Africa’s Marcia Letsoalo said: “It was very good to see that there are young people who enjoy playing sport.”

“It’s wonderful to see how enthusiastic the children are and how they are so eager to learn” added Leonie Hoitink of the Netherlands.