Eddie Russell
Sydenham-Hillside Cricket Club will receive $3100 to put towards its women’s cricket academy.
The club is among 119 community sport and active recreation organisations that will receive the state government’s Change Our Game Community Activation Grant.
President Bob Kunesevic said the money would have a dual purpose.
“Having dedicated resources to focus on our female and girls program will further encourage them to develop their skills,” he said. “We are also looking to encourage participation around the area.”
Mr Kunesevic said the club will use the opportunity to further invest in its women’s team and hope it attracts more aspiring cricketers.
“There’s obviously a contribution that we will look to kick in to ensure that all the participants, regardless of what level they are, come and enjoy their time,” he said.
The money allocated will allow for more direct concentration on the women’s teams, with professional coaches to be brought in for one-on-one and structured sessions with players.
Sydenham-Hillside has two senior women’s sides as well as under-12s under-14s under-16 girls teams. They also have seven men’s sides and several boys junior teams.
“You can imagine how much traffic goes through training every week,” said Mr Kunesevic.
Mr Kunesevic said the club felt grateful to have people looking out for the club.
“We find a lot of support from our local government. We are very fortunate to have great leaders around… that really do support the local community.”
Two clubs in the Moorabool. Ballan Cricket Club and Bacchus Marsh Netball Club also received funding from the grant.
