What began as a group of volunteers coaching cricket in Uganda soon grew into something much bigger.
While working alongside incredible local coaches, we saw firsthand the passion, talent, and potential of the young girls stepping onto the cricket field. But we also saw the challenges they faced off the pitch — girls dropping out of school before they even reached high school, many due to poverty, lack of support, or cultural expectations.
We knew we couldn’t ignore what we’d seen. Together, as volunteers and local partners, we started asking a simple question: What if we could do more?
That question sparked the beginning of 13 Not Out — a charity built on friendship, shared values, and the belief that education and sport can change lives.
Backed by a study we helped conduct, it became clear just how deep the inequality ran. The attainment gap between boys and girls was staggering. Many girls were leaving school early, and the consequences were heartbreaking: limited opportunities, early marriages, and a growing number of teen pregnancies. The gender gap wasn’t just visible — it was widening.
We knew cricket alone wasn’t the answer, but we believed it could be part of it. Cricket is more than a game. It’s a space where girls can lead, learn, and find their voice. By staying in school and continuing to play, these girls gain the confidence and skills to not only shape their own futures but to inspire and mentor others.
So we came together — volunteers, local coaches, communities — to form 13 Not Out, a charity that now works with cricket academies across Uganda to identify where support is needed most. We sponsor girls to stay in school, help them keep playing, and support them in becoming the leaders their communities need.
This is just the beginning. But we know that when girls stay in school, have support, and are given a chance — amazing things happen.
13 not out 