SACA: Australia’s elite cricketers give back to clubs across South Australia

Photo Credit: South Australian Cricket Association

45 cricket clubs and indoor cricket centres across SA will provide enhanced cricket experiences to encourage further participation after receiving grants totalling $121,500 during round one of the 2021/22 Grassroots Cricket Fund (GCF).

The GCF is a joint initiative between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association that will provide up to $30 million to grassroots cricket across Australia over the life of the fund.

The funds will ensure clubs and centres maintain their position as pillars of local communities by providing equipment and using grants to fund the development of coaches and volunteers and the adoption of marketing and recruitment initiatives to attract new participants.

One successful South Australian based applicant, Millicent Cricket Club, received funding to purchase uniforms and equipment to help reduce the playing costs for their junior players.

Millicent Cricket Club Vice President Michael Gibson said:

“Feeling part of a community is important at our club and thanks to the GCF and players we have been able to purchase new shirts and hats for our new Under 12 players to make them feel connected to the team as well as helping with the cost of new cricket balls.”

In total, 432 clubs and centres nationally successfully applied for first round grants and will share $1.3 million in funding – part of the total $2.5 million available in GCF grants this season.

A second round of grant applications opened on Monday, February 14 for a 3-week period, allowing clubs and centres that did not receive a grant in the first round to access funding that can be used to purchase products through GCF partners such as defibrillators via the Community Heart Program, portable 2G Flicx pitches from Flicx UK and Kookaburra training packs.

Launching the second round of grant applications, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja said:

‘’Clubs and indoor centres across Australia have done an amazing job in creating great experiences for their members despite the impact of COVID-19. The players are proud to be able to support these efforts,’’ he said.

“We hope these grants will help clubs and indoor centres best provide a great and inclusive environment in which to play and enjoy our game.”

South Australia cricket clubs and indoor cricket centres who have received round one GCF funding:

For more information and grant applications visit grassrootscricketfund.com.au

South Australian Cricket Association