Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
It’s time for women to pick up a bat and ball with Cricket Australia’s Women’s Social Smash competition launching in NSW and the ACT on Friday 4 March.
With 20 centres across NSW and the ACT, the six-week program for women of all ages and abilities, encourages participants to get active in a relaxing, supportive, and fun environment with the opportunity to form new friendships along the way.
Following a successful pilot in 2021, Women’s Social Smash has widened its accessibility for women by holding programs in more locations throughout metro and regional areas of NSW with the addition of the ACT program this year.
NSW Breakers star batter and Australian women’s cricket vice-captain Rachael Haynes visited a Women’s Social Smash session on the Northern Beaches, encouraging women to get involved in the program which promotes social connection and getting active.
“It’s just a fun way to play the game of cricket, get to know it hang out with your family and friends, and enjoy the game. I think it’s about giving the game a go,” Haynes said.
Women’s Social Smash Northern Beaches participant and mother, Aislinn McKeever spoke about her experience in the program coming from a non-cricketing background.
“From a social perspective, being a working mum, it gives me some time out for myself to exercise as well as meet other people in the same situation and have a bit of fun and laughter. Don’t be afraid, if I can do it and I’ve never lifted a cricket bat, just come a long,” McKeever said.
Cricket Australia’s Senior Growth Programs Manager Samantha Krajina said developing a program that accentuated social connection, fun health and wellbeing benefits was key to encouraging more women to pick up a bat and join a program.
“We wanted to provide a platform for more women at all ages to get involved in cricket and a key aspect of the program was to ensure it’s accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a backyard cricketer or a mum, everyone can play,” Krajina said.
Each Women’s Social Smash game is played over 60-90 minutes between teams of eight players with eight overs each. Games are played with a shorter pitch and boundary, a soft ball is used and no protective gear is required. There are no outs and everyone gets to bat and bowl.
To get involved in Women’s Social Smash register for your local program at playcricket.com.au
March 2022 – NSW & ACT Women’s Social Smash Locations
Albury Wodonga
Bathurst
Blacktown
Canada Bay
Deakin – ACT
Gunyama Park
Lake Macquarie
Lismore
Liverpool
Macquarie University
Maitland
Marrickville
Newcastle – Adamstown
Parramatta
Scone
Sutherland
Sydney City
Tamworth
Wagga Wagga
Waitara
