Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
Cricket in New South Wales is gearing up for a great summer with booming early registrations ahead of the national Play Cricket Week (August 21 to 28), which begins next week.
The Ashes created enormous interest across Australia, emphasised by an early surge in the number of children signing up for Woolworths Cricket Blast and Junior Cricket.
Cricket registrations among 5 to 12 year-olds are up 72% in NSW on this time last year as cricket clubs and associations were open for early registrations during the Ashes. This growing interest in cricket sees Woolworths Cricket Blast registrations double what they were this time last year and Junior Cricket registrations for cricketers under 13 years up 46%.
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Play Cricket Week in NSW will be the exciting start to programs showcased in Sydney and in the regions. On Wednesday, August 23, Australian stars Nathan Lyon and Ash Gardner will join a barefoot Woolworths Cricket Blast session on Manly Beach. Media are welcome to attend, with details to follow on Tuesday August 23.
NSW’s Country Blitz will see 34 Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, NSW Blues and Breakers players visit 85 schools in regional communities across the state from August 21-23 to build connections with Cricket Blast and Junior Cricket players and inspire them to play and love cricket.
Play Cricket Week’s nationwide launch will also take place, with Australia and Brisbane Heat duo, Usman Khawaja and Jess Jonassen, who will attend a Play Cricket Week launch party on August 19 at Allan Border Field.
During Play Cricket Week and throughout August, almost 150 Australian, State and Big Bash players will make appearances at community clubs, schools and special events across the country to promote the benefits of cricket and help drive registrations for this summer.
Cricket Australia has also launched a new campaign, ‘Imagine the Fun’ to drive awareness and consideration to join the Woolworths Cricket Blast program.
In its five-year strategy, Cricket Australia has joined Cricket NSW in setting the ambitious target of doubling the number of 5-12 year-olds playing cricket to ensure the game remains strong at all levels.
Martin Gleeson, General Manager, Community Cricket Experience, Cricket NSW, said:
“We are looking forward to Play Cricket Week as the start of a great summer of cricket in NSW.
“The Men’s and Women’s Ashes in July generated great excitement among our young players and communities to pick up a bat and ball this season and the upcoming Big Bash Leagues will continue to create an interest in the game.
“Our contracted players are heading out to every corner of the state to promote local playing opportunities and to inspire local communities to play and love the game.
“We are looking at strong participation this season and are committed to attracting 5-12 year-old players to the game to ensure cricket thrives as a sport more than ever.”
Activity highlights in NSW during Play Cricket Week
- Nathan Lyon and Ash Gardner will join a barefoot Woolworths Cricket Blast session at Manly Beach on August 23 at 10 am
- NSW’s Country Blitz will see 34 Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, NSW Blues and Breakers players visit 85 schools in regional communities across the state from August 21-23
- There will be 21 community events including volunteer engagement session, local coach education and come and try sessions across regional NSW during Country Blitz
- NSW players will attend 16 events to meet with volunteers, coaches, club and association members, and people from local communities in the regions during Country Blitz
