The problem: work, school runs, health issues = STRESS
Most South Asian men over 50 don’t take part in much sport — they either work or look after their older family members. A lot of them used to play cricket but can’t anymore because of work, health or age. Most men in this age group have complicated health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems. There is also very little on offer to excite a 50-year-old man to get active like he was in his 20s and 30s. These men can end up very isolated. Every day, unfortunately, we hear of people passing away in their 50s, which wasn’t the norm years ago. The NHS is under great stress.
Consultation: what’s going on?
When I joined Cricket Arena this year, the first thing I did was go out and do a consultation in the community, to find out what is stopping this age group playing sport. The feedback was interesting:
“I can’t play cricket anymore — my eyesight is bad, so I’ve stopped playing.”
“I just don’t have time anymore to look after myself.”
“Work. School runs. Looking after my dad. No way I’m spending a full day playing cricket on a Saturday.”
“I can’t play, I’m on medication.”
These are just some of the comments from the ten South Asian men who took part. The theme was common: they felt they couldn’t do it anymore and didn’t have the confidence to get back out there playing cricket and sport. Most admitted they used to love the socialising side of cricket and really miss it now, as they go through life’s toughest phase. A phase where the challenges are real: health issues starting to take grip, and the age at which most will lose their parents — some have even lost children.
What’s the plan? How can Cricket Arena change that?
Cricket Arena has run cricket for children and young people in Sheffield since 2017 and currently has over 200 playing sport through the week. Getting this age group to do something again, amid all the barriers, was not going to be easy. After the consultation, Cricket Arena launched 50 Not Out with a 12-week summer block to bring a group of South Asian men back together — weekly cricket at its heart, with trips and taster sports alongside. Sport wasn’t the only focus — Cricket Arena was going to re-ignite old friendships so people have a shoulder to lean on in times of difficulty.
- Indoor cricket every Tuesday night at Hillsborough Leisure Centre, with a GP attending some sessions to discuss blood pressure and diabetes support, and how to adopt healthier habits.
- Alongside the cricket, two trips — a hike in Snowdonia and a day at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield — to reunite old friends and create new ones. Stronger together.
- Padel and badminton — something new to try, to get people out of their comfort zone. 100% had never played padel before. A free first session from Play Padel Sheffield got them started, and Padel Bonito supported the sessions that followed.
- Golf — again, never played before. The perfect sport to play and talk, which is what this age group needed right now.
How did it go?
We had over 40 different men aged anywhere between 50 and 86 coming to the sessions, and they had lots of fun. At one point we had to turn people away. On average we had 25–30 coming each week to cricket, padel, golf or a trip. Everything was starting to come back — the smiles, the hugs, all captured. One good story was a gentleman who came to the first week on crutches. By week three we couldn’t get him OUT, and he was confident enough to stand without crutches while he was batting. Confidence.
Each session was fun, active and created lots of laughter. The sessions were easy and competitive to keep people engaged. Music was played from the 80s and 90s so they felt they were in their younger days. A WhatsApp group was created so people could keep in touch between sessions. People gave each other lifts and travelled up together. Unity.
“I never thought I could hit shots like that.”
“I’ve really missed this.”
“Everyone’s been lovely, and it’s been so good getting out of the house and seeing friends again.”
“I’ve even joined the gym — I want this to carry on.”
Week 12 — the final week — was the trip to Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield. The group was joined by a GP from Rotherham who came to offer advice on healthier living.
What was achieved by the end?
- Fitter, healthier men over 50 who get that a healthier lifestyle helps them in the long run. In our end-of-summer feedback, every man who answered said his fitness had improved.
- Men reconnected with cricket, and that love for the game again.
- Men leaning on each other for support instead of facing life alone — reducing the isolation that is common amongst men in this age group.
- Men who understand their diabetes and blood pressure a bit more.
- New friendships through cricket and sport.
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