Now that the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup are behind us, Melbourne has entered into the grip of cricket fever.
There are more than 1400 Whittlesea residents involved in the sport on a local level, with almost 40 per cent being junior players.
But the council wants more children involved – particularly refugee, asylum seeker and disabled children – in the sport cherished by so many Australians since childhood.
To make it easier for parents, the council has partnered with Cricket Victoria to offer subsidised cricket memberships.
South Morang Cricket Club is one of 10 cricket clubs in the municipality to sign up to the initiative.
Club president Dave Watson said he wants to support more kids in the game.
“All kids should have an opportunity to participate in sport and recreation regardless of their financial circumstances,” Mr Watson said.
The Connect2Cricket program offers a $100 discount for children playing in MILO in2CRICKET, MILO T20Blast and junior cricket for the first time. Boys and girls aged between five and 12 years from Indigenous, refugee, migrant, asylum seeker backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply for support.
The program is open to all cricket clubs in the Whittlesea council area.
For more information contact 9404 8837 or seona.ilalio@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
