Cricket Victoria, through the Cricket Victoria Foundation, is thrilled to announce a new multi-year partnership with the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation, aimed at empowering young female athletes through its successful Girls Leadership Program.
Developed in collaboration with former Australian and Victorian cricketer Belinda Clark AO and her company, The Leadership Playground, the program offers personal development and leadership training to female athletes aged 14 to 16, while also providing valuable insights into the diverse roles within cricket, both on and off the field.The partnership will also see the MCC Foundation directly support a female coaching summit and female umpires program. Through mentoring, development opportunities and tailored support, these two new programs are designed to further support women’s participation and pathways in cricket.
MCC Foundation Chair Sally Macindoe said:
“The MCC Foundation is proud to partner with Cricket Victoria in delivering these unique leadership, coaching and umpiring programs for young women in cricket.”
“The MCC Foundation exists to not only help break down the barriers that can prevent individuals and communities from meaningfully engaging in sport, but also to enhance the opportunities that sport can provide.”
“Together with the Cricket Victoria, the MCC Foundation is looking forward to playing a part in helping these participants grow their skills, knowledge and awareness of the pathways that can exist for them in cricket, be it on the playing field or beyond.”
Thanks to the support of the MCC Foundation, the Girls Leadership Program will also expand its reach, with sessions to take place in regional Victoria in early 2025.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins welcomed the partnership.
“We are delighted to be partnering with the MCC Foundation to support the growth, development and opportunity provided by the Cricket Victoria Foundation for women and girls across the state,” Cummins said.
“Cricket for women and girls remains a strategic priority for Australian cricket and I’d like to thank the MCC Foundation for supporting that mission. We simply wouldn’t be able to run this program and expand into regional areas without this support.”
“The MCC Foundation shares our aspiration to promote and inspire young women in cricket – whether that’s on field or in leadership roles off the field. We are proud to lead and support the path to young women being ambassadors for the game.”
The program will feature interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and leadership training tailored to equip participants with the skills needed to positively impact the game and their communities. Girls will have the chance to engage with experienced professionals, enhancing their understanding of teamwork, resilience, and personal development.
Cricket Victoria Foundation Chair Paul Gardner AM said:
“Driving participation opportunities for women and girls is a central pillar to our support program at the Cricket Victoria Foundation. I’d like to thank the MCC Foundation for giving us the ability to involve more girls than ever before in the program,” Gardner said.
For more information about the Girls Leadership Program or to register interest, please visit Girls Leadership Program - Cricket Victoria.