By Mikayla van Loon
Wanting to help inspire women to connect with each other, while looking after their health and wellbeing has been the catalyst for Chirnside Park Cricket Club hosting a women’s cricket clinic.
Committee member and player Kate Taylor said organising the event for Sunday 28 August was about outstretching to “women who may be struggling or want to try something new.”
“We have a responsibility to ensure local women know the doors are open and that they’re welcome to be involved with the cricket club,” she said.
“It’s a bit of fun, it’s different. We’re just so accepting of anyone and everyone. Cricket really is for everybody, no matter the gender.”
Playing as a standalone cricket team for the last three seasons, having initially combined with another club four years ago to get started, Kate only joined herself last season and is already passionate about engaging more women in the sport.
“There’s clearly a thirst among women for sporting opportunities in our neighbourhood. We’re in the heart of Chirnside park and we just want to encourage other local women and teenagers to come down,” she said.
With the youngest player on the team last year being 14-years-old and the oldest being 45, age and ability is no barrier to having fun, meeting new people and learning new skills.
In addition to the junior girls cricket teams, Kate said Chirnside Park would like to have two women’s teams competing this season.
“I hope that we could submit five teams although, two teams is our goal but the more the merrier and I wouldn’t shut the door on any new faces down at the club at all, there’s always room.”
Whether a playing member or just a social member, Kate said after the last few years of isolation, sport clubs can be a great way to find support and like-minded people.
“Anyone who signs up, you’re not just signing up for a team, you’re becoming a member of a club, you’ll meet new people, gain improved fitness, become a part of a wonderful local community club.
“It’s great for your mind and your body even if you’re just joining initially as a social member.”
The cricket clinic aims to give women an introduction to what playing cricket can look like and show them some of the skills.
“If you can’t throw, we can teach you, if you can’t hold a bat, we will teach you, if he can’t bowl we will teach you. That’s what the clinic is all about.
“It’s not as costly or scary as people may think as well and it’s also not as boring. There’s quite a stigma among females, when it comes to cricket, that it can be a little bit boring, but I can guarantee there’s so many laughs and silliness that happens out on the field.”
Kate suggested that anyone feeling hesitant about attending the clinic on their own should encourage a friend to tag along as well.
“Everything takes practice and the biggest message is you don’t have to be great. You don’t even have to be good. You just must be willing to give it a go. That’s what we’re looking for and we’re tailoring this clinic so that everyone is able just to have a go.”
The clinic will be broken down into batting, bowling and fielding stations, with a ‘get-to-know-you’ barbecue happening afterwards for everyone to mingle.
By November, Chirnside Park Cricket Club hopes the new club rooms at Kimberley Reserve will be fully functional, with improved facilities particularly for women.
The cricket clinic will be getting underway from 11am until 12.30pm at Kimberley Reserve on 28 August. More details can be found via the Chirnside Park Cricket Club Facebook page.
