Cricket Australia’s Women’s Social Smash competition is launching in NSW with programs at Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Newcastle starting in early March.
The six-week program commences from March 4 and encourages participants to get active in a relaxing, supportive, and fun environment with the opportunity to form new friendships along the way.
NSW Breakers star batter and Australian women’s cricket vice-captain Rachael Haynes encouraged women of all ages and abilities to get involved and said the program promoted social connection and getting active.
“It’s just a fun way to play the game of cricket, get to know it hang out with your family and friends and enjoy the game … I think it’s about giving the game a go,” Haynes said.
Women’s Social Smash participant Aislinn McKeever said the program had been a different experience after coming from a non-cricketing background.
“From a social perspective, being a working mum, it gives me some time out for myself to exercise as well as meet other people in the same situation and have a bit of fun and laughter,” McKeever said.
“Don’t be afraid, if I can do it and I’ve never lifted a cricket bat, just come along.”
Cricket Australia’s Senior Growth Programs Manager Samantha Krajina said developing a program that accentuated social connection, fun, health and well-being benefits were key to encouraging more women to pick up a bat and join a program.
“We wanted to provide a platform for more women at all ages to get involved in cricket and a key aspect of the program was to ensure it’s accessible for everyone,” Krajina said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a backyard cricketer or a mum, everyone can play.”
Each Women’s Social Smash game is played over 60 to 90 minutes between teams of eight players with eight overs each.
Games are played with a shorter pitch and a boundary, a softball is used and no protective gear is required. There are no outs, and everyone gets to bat and bowl.
Following a successful pilot in 2021, Women’s Social Smash has widened its accessibility for women by holding programs in more locations throughout regional areas of NSW with the addition of the ACT program this year.
To get involved in Women’s Social Smash, register for your local NSW program at playcricket.com.au
Information source: Cricket Australia