Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Learning how to play cricket will become more accessible than ever for kids around country with today’s launch of the digital version of Woolworths Cricket Blast, Anywhere Blast.
Brought forward by the coronavirus pandemic, Anywhere Blast is a free and flexible virtual program that can be participated from anywhere, with little to no cricket equipment.
With the aim of providing a innovative and engaging cricket experience for kids, Anywhere Blast is part of Cricket Australia’s five year Australian Cricket strategy to make the game of cricket accessible to all Australians.
The initiative is a timely resource for young cricketers based in metropolitan Victoria who aren’t able to participate in cricket programs until later this year.
The simple ‘at-home’ cricket experience includes six 20-minute skill sessions led by former men’s international and current Tasmania and Adelaide Strikers fast bowler, Peter Siddle, and Melbourne Stars WBBL spearhead, Holly Ferling.
The program includes weekly challenges where kids develop their skills across fundamental movement, ball handling, bowling, batting, catching and throwing.
Siddle said it was more important than ever to provide flexible cricket options for kids.
“Any chance we can get to teach young kids the fundamentals of playing cricket is important, so it’s great that we can provide that to young Victorian kids for the next couple of months,” Siddle said
Ferling also stressed the importance of cricket needing to be accessible.
“Cricket is one of the most accessible sports, but it’s needed to adapt to be ensure kids around the country, and particularly Victoria, can experience learning cricket from home,” Ferling said.
It was a lot of fun bringing the sessions to life, and I hope kids all over Australia can continue to develop their skills and have a bit of fun with us.”
Cricket Australia Head of Participation and Programs, Stuart Whiley said providing an online offering to communities that would otherwise miss out, strengthens cricket’s proposition as one of Australia’s most accessible sports for kids and parents.
“We’re excited to launch the Anywhere Blast program, particularly for those who haven’t been able to engage with face-to-face sessions at their local Woolworths Cricket Blast centre,” Whiley said.
“We’ve been developing options to help parents and kids at home, and this is timely for kids to get into cricket ahead of Term 1 programs.
“Community sport plays a critical role for the development of young kids, and we’re feeling for those eager to go who have to wait until they can get into the season. We know this isn’t quite the real thing, but we think it’s important to provide them with a form of cricket to keep their skills going.” Registrations are now open. To sign up or find out more information on Anywhere Blast, visit cricketblast.teachable.com.
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile photo of Stuart Whiley
