The Sydney Thunder is going back to school this summer as part of the Thunder Local Hero community program.

The Thunder Local Hero program is an initiative that seeks to engage with children aged 5 to11 years, by having a school adopt an individual Thunder player.

Open to primary schools across NSW and the ACT, each school can register for the free program which aims to provide a direct connection between the player and the students through regular updates via email and video messaging, with the school able to follow the players progress through the Thunder website.

A select number of schools will also get a chance to have a Sydney Thunder player come to their school for a special clinic, as well as the opportunity to win tickets to a Sydney Thunder match.

Sydney Thunder captain Mike Hussey recognised the importance of the program:

“Last year it was great to be associated with a number of local schools and most importantly to give back to our youngest fans” Hussey said.

“School children are some of our greatest supporters so it will be great to be able to return some of that support across the summer.”

Nick Cummins, General Manager of Sydney Thunder, said the team was looking forward to connecting with schools across the area.

“Being able to give back to our local communities, schools and families is at the heart of what we are about as a team and we are pleased to be able to connect with them again through the Thunder Local Hero initiative,” he said.

“It is great to have so many schools register last year and we are hoping that even more schools will get involved this year. The players cannot wait to connect with their schools.”

To find out more about the Thunder Local Hero and register your school head to : www.sydneythunder.com.au/localhero.