The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation is pleased to renew its partnership with Cricket Australia to deliver the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) and the MCG Training Camp for a further three years.
As the official inclusion partner of the NICC and host of the annual MCG Training Camp, the MCC Foundation helps create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers to develop their skills and compete at the highest level.
The renewed partnership includes a greater focus on talent identification, cultural training and cultural mentorship and will also enable two players from the MCG Training Camp to participate in further Australian Cricket pathway programs.
The partnership was announced on Wurundjeri Country at the third annual MCG Training Camp, where some of the most talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men’s and women’s players from around the nation have come together to develop their skills and make their mark on one of the world’s most iconic sporting stages.
The NICC will return to Mackay on Yuwibara Country for season 2025-26 with dates to be announced. Players for this camp have been selected from the 2024-25 NICC.
Christian Johnston, MCC Foundation Chair, said:
“The MCC Foundation is delighted to renew its partnership with Cricket Australia to deliver the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and the MCG Training Camp for a further three years.
“Through initiatives like the MCG Training Camp, we are proud to offer these cricketers not only a chance to play on the greatest stage, but an opportunity to connect with a place of deep cultural significance for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and a chance to become part of the living history of this ground.”
“Together with CA, we’ve built a strong foundation that provides meaningful opportunities and improved pathways for First Nations cricketers to develop their skills and strive toward competing at the highest level of the game.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting these cricketers and their sporting aspirations, and we hope to see many of these athletes back on the MCG in the near future.”
James Allsopp, CA Chief of Cricket, said:
“We’re delighted the MCC Foundation has chosen to continue its valuable support for the National Indigenous Cricket Championships and the MCG Training Camp.
“These events are vital in helping us fulfil our commitment to provide playing, training and cultural opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers and the MCC Foundation has been a generous partner.
“It is particularly pleasing to make this announcement on the MCG, where the men’s and women’s squads are getting the chance to improve their skills and showcase their talent at a world-renowned venue.
“We look forward to continuing and strengthening this partnership over the next three years and, most importantly, connecting more talented young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to our pathway programs.”
You can learn more about the MCC Foundation.
