Cricket Victoria, through the Cricket Victoria Foundation, has expanded upon the Leading the Game – Girls Leadership Program, made possible by the Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation.
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 players aged 14 to 16, while also providing valuable insights into the diverse roles within cricket, both on and off the field.
The four-session program featured interactive workshops, mentorship experiences, and tailored leadership training. These sessions equipped the young cricketers with essential skills to make a positive impact on the game and in their wider communities.
Additionally, the program provided a platform to connect with experienced professionals, offering invaluable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and personal development.
Throughout the program participants developed and executed projects to present during the final session. These initiatives were designed to be implemented at their local cricket clubs, showcasing the leadership skills they had gained. Projects included running Woolworths Blast programs, organizing fundraisers to support their clubs, and delivering panel presentations, among other creative ideas.
During the final session, held at the MCG, participants presented their projects to their peers and the mentors who had guided them throughout the program. The day concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony in front of their families and mentors, followed by a celebratory afternoon tea. It was a memorable event, bringing everyone together to acknowledge and celebrate the participants' achievements and the positive impact they will bring to their clubs and communities.
This program reflects the MCC Foundation and Cricket Victoria Foundation's shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, ensuring the sport thrives on and beyond the pitch.