Twins represent England at Indoor Cricket World Cup

TWIN sisters from Staffordshire University are set to represent England at the U19 Indoor Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

Kathryn and Charlotte Whyle, 18, from Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton, fly out to Johannesburg today (Monday, October 3).

The World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF) tournament runs from October 9-15.

While training for the World Cup, the twins have been studying for degrees in PE and Youth Sport Coaching at Staffordshire University – fitting their academic schedule around their preparations.

Kathryn said: “Sometimes it has been a struggle to balance cricket around our studies but being able to successfully compete makes us both more determined to gain success.

“Charlotte and I are very excited by the prospect of playing in the Indoor World Cup and consider it an honour and privilege to represent England, especially as it is taking place in South Africa, which will be the first time that we have visited the country.”

The twins were inspired to start playing cricket when they were still in primary school, after playing with their older brother in their garden. As soon as they were old enough, they joined a local boys team.

Charlotte said: “We first started playing cricket at the age of 8 (this was the youngest that you could register for the under 11’s team at the time) for a local team near Wolverhampton, called Beacon.

“This being a boys team (girls are able to play within boys/mens’ teams within cricket) provided us with the opportunity to develop skills that we had learnt during hours spent in the garden playing with our older brother.

“As for playing indoor cricket, this was following the recommendation of our County captain – who also plays indoor cricket – when we were scouted and recommended for England trials.”

Following their studies, the pair hope to pass on their skills and enthusiasm for cricket to the next generation.

Kathryn added: “Following my studies at Staffs I’m hoping to go on to do a PGCE to qualify to become a PE teacher whilst Charlotte would prefer to pursue a career in coaching.”

Trevor Barter, course leader for PE and Youth Sport Coaching, said: “This is a great opportunity for the two girls who have just enrolled on a BSc PE and Youth Sport Coaching degree course at Staffordshire University. The Sport and Exercise department are delighted to be able to support them in this exciting venture and wish them all the very best of luck.

“Apart from being a great honour this experience will also provide the girls with some wonderful real life experiences to be able to bring into their studies. The opportunity to experience international level sports will hopefully be a stepping stone to further success for the players.”