09 Jul
Pig and Olive Sponsors Youth Cricket in Westward Ho: Supporting the Colts at Bideford Cricket Club
by Alysa
This summer, Pig and Olive is proud to support Bideford, Littleham & Westward Ho! Cricket Club, a thriving local club just across the road from our Westward Ho! site. As we celebrate ten years of our business, it felt like the perfect time to invest in a part of the community that means so much to so many.
Being neighbours makes this connection feel especially close. On a summer evening, it’s not uncommon to hear the sound of leather on willow just steps from our restaurant, and that sense of shared space is part of what makes Westward Ho! such a special place to be.
Bideford Colts in their new training shirts, proudly sponsored by Pig and Olive.
The club is a well-established part of local life, offering youth cricket in North Devon alongside four adult teams and now a growing range of inclusive opportunities. As part of our support, we’ve chosen to sponsor the Colts, the club’s youth section, to help them continue providing accessible cricket for children and young people from Westward Ho!, Bideford, and surrounding areas.
Supporting the Next Generation
The Colts are made up of 108 children across three age group teams, and they form a key part of the club’s future. These teams offer more than just a chance to play cricket. They create a space where young players can build confidence, learn teamwork, and discover a lasting love for the game.
“Sponsorship means everything to the club,” says Rod Hannam, Sponsorship Chair. “We are a community club and we aim to be as inclusive as possible by ensuring no one is prohibited from playing cricket because of the cost. With the help and support of local businesses like Pig and Olive we can continue to keep our subscriptions and match fees as low as possible.”
That accessibility has helped the club develop a strong and steady pathway from youth to senior cricket.
“Without a Colts section all sports clubs will eventually wither and die,” Rod continues. “The Colts are quite simply the future of the Club; not just as players but also as coaches and administrators.”
And that future is already showing results. On a recent Saturday, 8 of the 11 players in the club’s 1st XI had come up through the Colts ranks. Across the 2nd and 3rd teams, there were at least 10 more former Colts on the pitch.
The youth setup doesn’t just feed the local game. It also opens doors. Many Colts have gone on to represent Devon, and at least six have travelled to South Africa with the Devon Development Squad. It’s a programme that nurtures both ability and ambition.
A Community Connection
“We believe in being part of the community, not just working in it, but giving something back. Supporting the youth team felt like the perfect way to celebrate ten years of our business and invest in the future of local sport.”
– Rachel Hickens, Co-owner
“Providing team shirts may seem like a small gesture,” says Marketing Manager Alysa Freeman, “but for the Colts, it builds a sense of identity and pride. It’s about belonging, showing up and feeling part of something. That really matters at this stage in their journey.”
After a Friday evening training session, you might even spot a few of the Colts grabbing a post-cricket pizza just over the road at our Westward Ho! restaurant.
Friday evening training sessions are a regular fixture at the club throughout the summer.
What’s Next for the Club?
The future looks bright for Bideford, Littleham & Westward Ho! Cricket Club. In addition to its four adult teams and the ever-growing Colts section, the club has recently launched a Ladies Section and introduced Walking Cricket sessions for the over 50s, ensuring there’s a place for everyone to enjoy the game, whatever their stage of life.
On the pitch, the club is striving for continued success. There are aspirations for the 1st XI to return to the Devon Premier League and to defend the North Devon League title they won last season. Just as importantly, they aim to carry on being a truly community based club, working with local people and businesses to provide an asset the whole area can be proud of.
Get Involved
The club runs outdoor training every Friday evening from April to September, with matches played regularly throughout the season. As well as the Colts section, there’s a strong senior programme, and the club is always keen to welcome new players of all ages and experience levels.
Interested in joining? Visit the club’s website or pop down to a Friday training session. You’ll find a warm welcome and a club built on true community spirit.
Whether you’re visiting the area or a regular at the boundary rope, come and say hello at Pig and Olive, just across the road.