Glamorgan’s Head of Women’s and Girl’s Cricket Aimee Rees has been named as one of the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)’s ‘The 53’ women shaping the future of cricket.

The ECB has unveiled 53 purple seats at Edgbaston ahead of the first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match on Friday.

The seats recognise 53 women shaping the future of cricket, in a nod to the number of years since the inaugural Women’s Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973.

Rees is one of three women in cricket who have connections to Wales, and is joined on the list alongside Llandaff CC’s Ayesha Rauf, and Victoria Jones, Facilities Lead at Cricket Wales.

Rauf has made it her mission to ensure South Asian representation in cricket across Wales. The Cardiff-based coach has built the women and girls pathway at Llandaff Cricket Club from scratch and is determined to show that cricket is a space for them.

“It feels a bit emotional actually,” she said.

“It makes me feel like everything I do is making a difference, because I can see my name on the purple seat and it reminds me that I have and I am making a difference, and I’m being recognised for that as well.

“Growing up in London then moving to Wales, I rarely saw women who looked like me involved in the game.

“The absence made me reflect on where I fit in the sport and more importantly, how I could help change that for others coming through.

“Being visible in this role matters and I take pride in contributing to a more diverse and welcoming game.”

Writing her own personal profile in The 53, Rees reflected on how cricket has been “central” to her life.

“My current role as Head of Women and Girls’ Cricket at Glamorgan County Cricket Club is both diverse and incredibly rewarding,” Rees said.

“I oversee the entire female performance pathway, supporting players from as young as 10 years old through to our senior women’s Tier 2 squad. A major focus of my work is preparing the programme for its transition into Tier 1 cricket in 2027.

“This is an exciting and significant step for the club, and my priority is ensuring we have the structures, environment, and playing squad in place to compete at the highest domestic level.

“Cricket has always been central to my life. My dad played the game, and I spent much of my childhood at the cricket club.

“I am also incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing professional women’s cricket to Glamorgan in 2027, something built on decades of hard work by many dedicated people.”

Jones joined Cricket Wales in January 2023, having spent a large part of her career at Welsh Gymnastics, and also represented Team GB as a coach at both the World Summer Special Olympic Games and the European Games.

In her profile, Jones stresses that there is a “place for everyone” in cricket.

“My role is focused on securing investment into recreational cricket and helping to improve the facilities that support clubs, local authorities and communities across Wales,” she said.

“Over the last three years, I have helped bring more than £7 million into grassroots recreational cricket, creating opportunities for long-term, meaningful change.

“Cricket has shown me that there truly is a place for everyone in the game. I am proud to be a female leader within the sport and to help show women and girls that they can shape its future too.

“There is a place for everyone in cricket, and whether you want to play, volunteer or build a career in the game, don’t be afraid to step forward,  you could make a difference far beyond what you imagine.”

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