Cricket: A therapeutic sport encouraging real conversations

Cricketers are being encouraged to leave mobile phones in their bags to have “real’’ conversations with teammates to help their wellbeing.

Frankston Peninsula has a two-year mental health program up and running through SALT. Picture: David Crosling

Cricketers are being encouraged to put their phones away, have a “real’’ conversation with teammates and check in on each other during games.

It’s all part of a mental health and wellbeing initiative being made available to cricket clubs.

“Cricket is the most unique sport in the world,’’ says Dave Burt, CEO of Sport and Life Training (SALT), an organisation that runs courses on mental health and connection through sport.

“It’s a long game with plenty of intervals between balls.

“What cricket allows is for us to unwind — which can take a while in this hectic world — disconnect from our screens for a bit, and reconnect with those around us.’’

SALT is proposing a national involvement where cricket players and spectators leave their mobiles at home or in their bags for the duration of a match and use that time to have a side-by-side natter, either in the crowd or change rooms.

Heat players celebrate last season. Picture: David Crosling

Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club has a two-year mental health program up and running through SALT.

Heat general manager Mike Ronchi says more than ever people need to slow down, re-connect and be grateful for the relationships they have.

“Cricket clubs are the perfect places to promote great, unhurried conversations, to check in on each other and offer support,’’ he says.

“Great clubs pick up on the people who aren’t coping well and connect them to people who can support them.’’

Burt says cricket is a multigenerational sport, for spectators and players alike.

“You can have 50-year-old blokes playing alongside 18-year-olds. There can be a lot of wisdom to impart there, on both sides,’’ he says.

“For some young men, they might not have a father at home or a male role model. At a cricket club, you have a bunch and some different advice available about all sorts of life matters.

“That’s actually why SALT does so much of its mental health work at sports clubs. A sports club is a massive community connector, and another way to give support to people who might be struggling at life and not have much connection outside of that.’’

SALT has worked with over 480 clubs across 21 sports, facilitating mental health courses which can be extremely raw, dealing with issues ranging from alcohol and masculinity through to suicide.

Already, SALT are working with various cricket clubs and associations, encouraging them to be the eyes and ears of mental wellbeing in their communities.