Cricket ACT, in conjunction with Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, have today announced a new grass roots partnership aiming to reinforce cricket as the regions favorite sport.

The three organizations have endorsed an arrangement which will provide a major funding boost to cricket development in the ACT and Southern NSW, ensuring that the game is accessible to players of all backgrounds and abilities.

Two additional full time staff will be employed to promote the game, based in Canberra and Wagga Wagga. These roles will focus on delivering five key outcomes of Australian Cricket:

1. Ensuring cricket has a presence at all levels of education
2. Providing clubs with support to recruit and retain participants
3. Delivering programs that ensure cricket is a sport for all Australians
4. The provision of a high quality talent pathway
5. At every opportunity fans of the game are created

As well as the increased field force the ACT will become part of the Thunder nation with a strong alignment with the KFC Big Bash team led by Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey.

Cricket ACT Chairman Ian McNamee said “The new agreement is wonderful news for cricket in the ACT and surrounding regions. The extra development resources on the ground will ensure that our great game continues to grow and enables all boys and girls to play and experience cricket at whatever level they choose.”

Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones also expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “Cricket NSW is looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Cricket ACT and Cricket Australia in these two regions. The extra resources we are able to provide will ensure that grass roots organisations and volunteers receive the support that they need to help grow Australia’s favourite sport.”

Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Game and Market Development, Andrew Ingleton added, “This new partnership is also about inspiring the next generation of players and fans, which is a central pillar of Cricket Australia’s strategy. This partnership is one of the first initiatives funded by Cricket Australia out of its new Australian Cricket Strategic Fund.”

Cricket clubs across Australia are now taking registrations. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’ve come from or whether you’ve ever picked up a bat or ball, everyone can play cricket.

For details on how you can join Australia’s favourite sport and find a club near you, visit www.playcricket.com.au