Cricket Victoria building next generation of female leaders

Throughout the week Cricket Victoria will be recognising the many and varied roles women and girls play within our game, whether it be playing, volunteering, umpiring, coaching, or in administration.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins said the week was a celebration.

“Last year we launched our new six-year Women and Girls Strategy and we’ve had great feedback on the steps we’re taking. Women and Girls Week is about inspiration and opportunity and that’s what we’re setting out to deliver.”

Last season in Victoria there were 31,213 women and girls playing cricket, which included an incredible 93% year-on-year increase in Woolworths Cricket Blast (cricket’s entry level program) participation by girls.

Across the week we will highlight stories from Victorian female cricket pioneers including Marg Jennings and Raelee Thompson, reflections from current female players and umpires, and look ahead to the future of women’s cricket when Cricket Victoria’s Girls Leadership Program takes place during the Melbourne Derby between the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades at the MCG on Saturday night.

Cricket Victoria’s Girls Leadership Program has been developed in conjunction with former Australian and Victorian cricketer Belinda Clark AO and her company The Leadership Playground and caters for girls aged 14 to 16-years-of-age with a look into the many roles both on and off the field that are avenues to positively impact the game.

The 80 participants from local clubs across the state will be given the opportunity to take part in a range of practical activities and learn from industry experts.

“The course is based on the practical application of the many ways you can contribute and lead the game,” said Clark.

“Whether it be at your local club, your local community or professional roles in cricket, we aim to inspire these girls to learn about themselves and use their strengths to contribute to the game in a way that they enjoy.

“The cricket world will be a better place with more women and girls involved.”

The second of the four sessions will take place prior to the Melbourne Derby at the MCG, where the Melbourne Stars and the Melbourne Renegades hope to play in front of their biggest crowd of the season as part of the WBBL’s Stadium Series.

It will be the first women’s game at the famous ground since the historic T20 World Cup final between Australia and India where there was a record crowd of 86,174 in attendance.

On Sunday 26 November Victorian Premier Cricket’s Women’s Competition will play on the MCG for the first time in history when Melbourne’s women’s 1st XI will host Box Hill Cricket Club in a One Day game.

National Women and Girls’ Week takes place from Monday 20 November through to Sunday 26 November.