MELBOURNE: Professional, top-level cricketers in Australia have come together to invest 30 million AUD ($21 million) for developing grassroots sport in the country. This is the highest ever funding gained by Cricket Australia for the initiative, which will be working with the players and their representative body, the Australian Cricketers’ Association in tandem to use this ‘Grassroots Cricket Fund’.
In the first year, it will focus on providing funds to playing/training facilities such as pitches, ovals, training nets and lighting that are open to all clubs across the country and equipment grants to regional and rural areas with special attention to those affected by drought.
“The players are passionate about giving back to the game that has given us so much,” Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said on the development.
“There’s a significant need for investment in grassroots cricket, especially for those communities doing it tough at the moment.
“If we can make the experience of playing cricket better for all cricketers it will go a long way to benefit the game at community cricket right through to those playing at the highest level.”
Women’s cricketer Holly Ferling added that the country’s cricketers are united in delivering the Grassroots Cricket Fund to make cricket more accessible to all Australians.
“We all started out in local clubs, so we know how important it is for young kids to hit, bowl and throw a cricket ball in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment,” Ferling stated.
“This is one small part of how we can give back to the communities who have really shaped us into the people and cricketers we are today.”
