In June 2025, the Kent Cricket Foundation welcomed its first-ever Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Project Officer, Gabriella Rolls. Working within the community team, Gabby’s mission is to ensure that cricket, both as a spectator sport and a physical activity, is accessible to everyone in Kent, regardless of their background or circumstances.

A Passion for Inclusion

“I’ve been passionate about inclusion from a young age,” Gabby says. “As a full-time wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, I knew I wanted to help people feel like they belonged. My sense of justice has always been strong - my mum says what I lack in mobility, I make up for in mouthiness! I wanted to channel that energy into positive structural change.” After serving as the President of her university’s Disabled Student Network, Gabby realized she wanted to look beyond disability alone and advocate for LGBT+ rights, gender equality, and religious inclusion.

Cricket for Everyone

At the Foundation, Gabby’s work is about breaking down barriers. “I love seeing the start of someone’s sporting journey,” she explains. “Whether it’s developing a Disabled Supporters’ Association or providing cricket tasters for the LGBT+ community, we want to show that there is a place for you in this sport.”

Outside of her EDI work, Gabby is a competitive boccia player and a stand-up (or “sit-down”) comedian. “I love seeing the funny side of disability. It makes me resilient when facing barriers and means I enjoy my work more than ever!”

The Kent Cricket Foundation

The Kent Cricket Foundation is the official charity of Kent Cricket, dedicated to making the game accessible to everyone. We use the power of sport to improve wellbeing and community cohesion through a variety of inclusive programs across the county:

• Disability Cricket: Specialized hubs, including our Super 1s program.
• Invicta Icons: Kent’s first LGBT+ inclusive development club.
• Street Cricket: Free sessions for youth in disadvantaged areas.
• ACE: Supporting cricket within ethnically diverse communities.
• Women & Girls: Dedicated pathways for all ages and abilities.
• Walking Cricket: Keeping senior citizens active and connected.
• Education: Chance to Shine program delivery in local schools.

Get Involved Whether you’re looking to play, volunteer, or partner with us, we’d love to connect!

Email: Gabriella.Rolls@kentcricket.co.uk