Amy Coyne, a Workforce Development Officer for the Trent Bridge Community Trust, initially began umpiring qualifications as a way of passing the time during Covid lockdowns.

Last week, she oversaw both Vitality Blast Women League 2 semi-finals, before acting as fourth umpire in the final that evening.

“My gran always had cricket on the TV and I loved watching it with her,” says Amy. “She watches all the live streams and cheers me on. The first time I was on a county ground live stream, I came home and she gave me a massive hug. She said: ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this. It’s just amazing.’ She’s my biggest supporter and she’s so proud.”

Since beginning her umpiring journey, Amy has climbed to W2 status on the Women’s ECB Umpiring Pathway and now regularly controls Tier 2 fixtures.

“It’s a great environment to umpire in,” she says. “The first year I was umpiring, I must have done about three games a week for the whole season. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a meditative zone out there: I feel completely comfortable in the middle of a cricket field. For me, it’s a calm place.”

Amy was supported at Saturday’s matches by her autism assistance dog, Lexi. “She’s literally changed my life,” she says. “Before I got her, I wouldn’t leave the house on my own. But she watches out for me, and everyone loves her. Teams say hi to her before they say hi to me.

“She comes out and does the toss with me, and having her with me before the game helps me stay level. She keeps me grounded and it’s really important that people are aware that you can still do what you want to do when you have autism."

Find more information about umpiring opportunities in Notts here...