Academy of Sport Spotlight: Q&A with Matilda Atherton-Gater

I take part in both cricket and hockey.

I started playing cricket at 6 years old because my dad was a cricket coach and my brother also played the sport. I then started playing hockey in year 7 at high school.

I currently play for the Derbyshire Women cricket team, which is tier 2 team and I am playing hockey at club level.

I would say my best sporting achievement is playing a cricket game at Lords. We won the game and I hit 55*, I also took a catch and a stumping.

I have won multiple Under 19s national competitions at club level and I also won with the Under 13s  and 15’s.

I am currently working towards establishing my place in the Derbyshire women’s team.

My favourite thing about my sport is meeting new people and the opportunities to travel that it brings.

I would say Tammy Beaumont MBE, the English cricketer. She currently plays as an opening batter and occasional wicket-keeper for the national team. She is second on list of most international centuries and third on ODI (One Day International) centuries.

My favourite memory is the time away in London for the game at Lords. I was part of the Northern Starts under 15s team and we built a great bond during the trip.

My favourite thing about studying at NSCG is the freedom.

My plan for life after college is to go on a gap year. I want to travel to Australia to play cricket whilst working on my sports photography there. 

I want to get a career out of cricket, however if not I would like to go into sports photography. 

NSCG has given me different opportunities to play cricket and hockey, which has really helped me to build and develop my skills

I would advise them to try out the sports on offer as it gives you a way to make new friends outside of the classroom.