A schoolgirl is paving the way for the next generation of female cricketers.

Violet Merritt, 14, from Ampleforth, has been named the latest ambassador for Maiden Cricket, a sportswear brand dedicated to empowering girls in the sport.

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The Ryedale School student, who plays for Sessay Cricket Club, began playing cricket at just five years old and comes from a family deeply rooted in the game.

Her great-grandfather played for Leicestershire and England and later served as president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Violet said: “My family are huge cricket fans and I’ve grown up around the game.

“I would love to follow in my great-grandpa’s footsteps and achieve what he did.

“Cricket is more than just a sport to me; it’s helped me grow in confidence and build amazing friendships.

“I want to help promote women’s cricket and make sure girls and women have the same opportunities that boys do.”

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As a Maiden Cricket ambassador, Violet hopes to inspire more girls to take up the sport and push for greater opportunities in schools.

She said: “As a Maiden Cricket ambassador, I want to help inspire more girls to get involved in cricket and show that it’s a sport for everyone.

“I’d love to help get cricket played more regularly in state schools for girls, so more people have the chance to try it and fall in love with the game like I did.”

Maiden Cricket was founded in 2024 by sisters Honor and Cat Black, who created the brand after becoming frustrated with the lack of comfortable, female-specific cricket gear.

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The ambassador programme supports female players aged eight and above who are passionate about growing girls’ cricket in schools, clubs, and communities.

Cat Black, co-founder of Maiden Cricket, said: “At Maiden, we’re all about championing girls’ cricket by highlighting what a fantastic sport it is for building confidence and team spirit.

“We’ve already built a great community to help share our mission and it’s awesome to have Violet join the crew.”

More information can be found here: visit www.maiden-cricket.co.uk/.