We all know the importance of kids finding that sport they love — one that they can belong to, grow in, and play throughout to adulthood. For girls heading into club level sport, this pathway is often stunted, with the only junior options in many sports being to join a mixed competition or a boys’ team. Cricket Australia has steadily been adding girls cricket leagues to its club cricket competitions across the country. This year, Sunshine Coast Cricket Association is bringing junior girls cricket to the Sunshine Coast.
“To play Cricket in this girl’s league would be an astounding experience,” says young Sunshine Coast cricketer Aly. “I am looking forward to taking it up a notch in cricket and bringing out my full ability.”
Aly’s teammate Claire says she only wanted to return to play this year because it was going to be an all-girls competition.
Cricket Australia hopes the new girls cricket league will encourage more girls to pick up a bat and ball, and also to become involved in all aspects of cricket.
“The Sunshine Coast Cricket Association gives junior girls a great opportunity to play cricket together in a team environment while also creating lifelong memories. We think they will make a difference in the amounts of girls registering for cricket,” says Cricket Australia.
“We hope the next generation are enjoying the experiences they have at a community level and that they will continue to play at that level, and also see a clear pathway to the elite. We are lucky to have such great role models in the Australian Women’s Team and we hope they can continue to inspire the next generation of club and elite cricketers.”
Cricket is a great sport for girls
The girls in the inaugural league have many reasons for pursuing cricket as a chosen sport. They are thrilled to be able to play in an all-girls league.
“Cricket is a great sport for girls to play. It’s accepting sport, allowing both girls and boys to be successful,” Aly says. “Playing cricket is just so enjoyable for me … now I can continue to play the sport I have been playing for a year now.”
“It’s a great sport for girls to play because you can be social and work together as a team,” Claire says.
“It would mean I could play against other girls, not just boys,” Abbey says. “I think it will be really fun and I can make even more new friends.”
“Girls do just as well as boys at cricket,” Hannah says. “It’s a non-contact sport, which is better than other sports. Girls might feel more comfortable doing a sport that is less touchy.”
Hannah couldn’t contain her excitement on what this could mean for her future.
“It will be awesome if more people join,” she says. “If we do really well and go through to a higher competition, we don’t have to play only guys.
“Cricket is my life, I literally breathe it! I already hope to play the Brisbane Heat one day!”
Cricket Australia says the sport provides girls with an opportunity to not only be active, but to learn life skills and build friendships.
“Cricket teaches you about teamwork, leadership and resilience,” says Cricket Australia.
Is your daughter interested in playing girls cricket? Visit playcricket.com.au to find out more about how to get involved.
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