Teen Parliament 2024 applications closing soon: Wilderness student Addison’s proposal to make sure no child is left without

Sport is more than a game for Teen Parliament applicant Addison Crocker whose standout proposal has her in the running for a $10,000 scholarship. Apply now, entries close soon.

Teen parliament applicant Addison Crocker and year 11 student at Wilderness School, says supplying sports balls to kids can change their lives. Picture Dean Martin

After seeing the impact of disadvantaged children missing out on sport at her regional primary school, 16-year-old Addison Crocker wants to make sure every student has a ball.

The Year 11, now at Wilderness School is one of the applicants for Teen parliament 2024, which will see 30 students discuss ideas for a brighter future for South Australia with some of the state’s decision makers present at the March 8 event.

Students from Years 10, 11 and 12 have just days left to submit their ideas relating to topics such as infrastructure, the economy and education before applications close.

Addison’s proposal is for the government to subsidise the cost of a ball, of any kind, so no child is left without.

During her primary years at Moonta Area School, Addison saw how sport got kids excited to go to school but also left children without access to equipment feeling isolated.

Teen parliament applicant Addison Crocker says the benefits of sport are far reaching. 21 February 2024. Picture Dean Martin

“On sports days you just see kids running so fast and competing in a team and being excited but when they get home they didn’t have that ball or that connection,” she said.

“It’s not just about the ball, it’s about the social connections, the friendships … and possibly more academic attendance.”

As an avid touch footballer and netball player, sport has always been part of the teen’s life and Addison said the benefits are far reaching.

“You’re increasing your skills with people that can lead you to better relationships when you leave school and have a job,” she said.

Following the Teen parliament 2024 event, there will be scholarships awarded to standout students with 10 of the cohort each receiving $10,000.