Annually, Queensland Cricket community staff embarks on a remarkable journey to the southwest corner of the Sunshine State, igniting the passion for cricket among the young minds of the region. This year's tour was no exception, as Queensland Cricket staff spent five impactful days conducting school clinics and a community coach course.
Charleville, a remote town located nine hours west of Brisbane, might be distant from the bustling cricket arenas, but its passion for the sport is unwavering. The Queensland Cricket staff's annual tour to this region is a testament to their commitment to fostering cricket at the grassroots level.
Ashleigh Harding, a teacher from St Mary’s Charleville sang the praises of the community cricket staff that attended eight schools over the course of the tour.
She said, “The staff’s activities, professionalism and enthusiasm with the children truly made a positive impact on their day, and they connected with the children and adapted very well to the various age groups.”
She continued, “we are very fortunate to have a number of sporting external agencies visit our school, but QLD Cricket set the bar very high, so much that several students are still playing cricket during the lunch breaks.”
The impact of this initiative on the Charleville and District Cricket Association has been remarkable. Not too long ago, the association struggled with participation, having fewer than 20 kids engaged prior to 2019. Fast forward to today, and the association boasts a robust community of over 90 young cricketers actively participating in junior cricket and the Woolworths Cricket Blast programs. This transformation is a testament to the dedication of local volunteers, led by the extraordinary Andrew Short, the 2021 Queensland Volunteer of the Year. Andrew, along with his team of committed volunteers, has been instrumental in nurturing cricket's growth within the community.
Charleville is one of several success stories around Queensland that have seen effective partnerships between clubs, schools, and Queensland Cricket result in an increase of junior participation and a more engaged community. Community Cricket staff are ramping up the number of school programs that are being delivered right across the state, as the traditional summer of cricket approaches. Queensland schools are encouraged to contact Queensland Cricket should they wish to be involved.
Register your interest for a school program here, or sign up to your nearest cricket club here.