Toowoomba to host Queensland-first in revolutionary Cardio Cricket concept

A new innovation to get more women involved in cricket will make its debut in Toowoomba this week.

GAME CHANGER: Toowoomba will host the first Cardio Cricket tonight. Picture: Kevin Farmer/File

CRICKET: Toowoomba will have the honour of leading off Queensland Cricket’s revolutionary new women’s program.

Cardio Cricket comes to Heritage Oval on Wednesday night, offering a new opportunity for women to get involved in the sport.

“It’s being run for the first time in Toowoomba, and if it goes well, it will be run across the state,” Darling Downs and South West Queensland cricket manager Adam Paroz said.

The free program runs over seven weeks for girls and women aged 16 and above, combining elements of fitness with cricket.

Paroz said the program was designed to increase female participation, as well as give mothers the chance to get involved with babysitting facilities.

“It’s similar to a boot camp with a bunch of cardio-based activities that have a bit of a cricket twist on them,” he said.

“We’ll have a bit of music going and we are also going to have one of our community cricket officers to babysit kids to allow mums to get out and have a bit of fun.

“It’s something that people have been looking for. A free option that caters to all of their needs. Having someone to look after the kids can take the pressure off and gives them an opportunity they mightn’t have otherwise had.”

Future plans involve a competition for ladies, something Paroz said is an achievable goal.

“The end goal of it all is to be able to set up a ladies competition,” he said.

“Once the seven weeks is finished, we’ll look at having a fundraiser and getting the ladies together for a social day.

“Six-a-side social teams to run in the next cricket season would be a great start.”

Cardio Cricket gets underway at Heritage Oval at 6pm on Wednesday night.

To book your place, contact Adam Paroz on 0419 725 834 or [e-mail].

Originally published as Toowoomba to host Queensland-first in revolutionary Cardio Cricket concept