Clubs believe Women’s World Cup will inspire girls to play cricket
Last season, 1.65 million Australians participated in a cricket program or competition, a 6 per cent rise from the previous year, and clubs think the Women’s World Cup will inspire more girls to join in.
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Cricket clubs across Australia are so confident the Women’s World Cup will inspire a new wave of girls to play the game the summer season will be extended to get them on the field.
When the last ball is bowled in the blockbuster MCG final on March 8, cricket programs around the nation will remain open when they would typically close to allow girls to register and play.
At least 134 clubs around the country will keep their doors open for programs targeted at entry level programs for girls and boys aged five to 12.
Past and present female cricket stars believe the largest women’s sporting event staged in Australia will be a catalyst for participation growth and an unprecedented opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
It comes as girls and senior women’s cricket participation is already up 30percent this year and expected to rise even more sharply after the T20 World Cup and blockbuster final in Melbourne.
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Last year, registered female participation grew by 14 per cent, including 873 new girls’ teams.
Females now make up 30 per cent of all cricket participants in Australia.
Aussie teen sensation Annabel Sutherland expected those numbers to be hit for six once girls of all ages saw female cricketers represent their country on home soil.
“Hopefully it helps girls feel comfortable that they can be part of any sport they want, be it footy, cricket or whatever,’’ she said.
“Given the clubs are keeping their doors open it helps capitalise on the younger generation that are interested and their families keen to get them registered.’’
Last season, 1.65 million Australians participated in a cricket program or competition, a 6 per cent rise from the previous year and the largest number of participants recorded in the history of the sport.
Women’s trailblazer and Cricket Australia community cricket general manager Belinda Clark said the impact of the Cup would not be restricted to girls.
“Boys thinking it’s normal for girls to play cricket is equally important,’’ she said.
“I think this country has been amazing in supporting women’s sport generally but this will be something special which says women’s sport is here to stay.’’