ALL ABILITIES PROGRAMS

Cricket NSW is a sport for all, and we strive to ensure that anyone can participate in our cricket programs. This season, we have witnessed a rise in the number of children and adults identifying as ‘all-abilities players’ joining Woolworths Cricket Blast, junior cricket, and senior cricket.

Cricket NSW’s Community Cricket Experience staff conducted over 16 programs in special schools across NSW, engaging with over 400 students. Notably, local cricket clubs have played a significant role in fostering an inclusive environment for all players.

Catch If You Can

EVERYONE GETS TO BAT & BOWL

Come And Try Cricket

WHERE: Orange, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour, Cricket Central

REGION: Far West, Riverina, Mid North Coast, Parramatta

WHEN: August & September 2022

In collaboration with Blind Cricket NSW, four Come and Try days introduced blind cricket to visually impaired cricketers, with 18 female and 30 male players participating across the state.

WHERE: Port Macquarie Public School, Port Macquarie

REGION: Mid North Coast

WHEN: August 2022

45 children from the support unit at Port Macquarie Public School attended an inschool Woolworths Cricket Blast program after Sydney Sixers stars Maitlan Brown and Kurtis Patterson attended the school during the Country Blitz tour.

Cricket NSW have already signed up for another program next season.

Different Strokes

WHERE: Jasper Road Public School, Baulkham Hills

REGION: North West Sydney

WHEN: February 2023

Jasper Road Public School introduced Woolworths Cricket Blast to 34 children, improving their running, movement, catching and throwing.

The students improved their catching and throwing skills working in pairs with other students.

WHERE: Bankstown Oval REGION: Bankstown WHEN: December 2023

Bankstown Oval’s long-running program for all-abilities players gained recognition on International Day of People with Disabilities. It has produced players such as Gareth Donahue, Omkar Dhupar and Ed Smith for the national and NSW Intellectual Disability (ID) teams. The program has 40 registered players attending sessions every second Sunday throughout the year.

Everyone Is Coachable

WHERE: Blowfly Cricket Club

REGION: Sydney North West

WHEN: Ongoing

Blowfly Cricket Club’s coaching program for people with disabilities challenged misconceptions to create a highly successful learning experience. The Level 1 coaching course equipped coaches to be able to work with all abilities athletes to teach cricket and aims to expand to Level 2, providing accreditation and coaching opportunities. The free course, facilitated by Josh Miller, a member of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai District Coaches’ Association, attracted ten attendees.