2
Table of Contents SECTION 1: NSW – THE LEADING CRICKET STATE IN AUSTRALIA
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................... 2
Our Vision ...................................................................................................................... 3
Our Aspiration ............................................................................................................... 3
Cricket NSW Strategy ................................................................................................... 3
Our Values .................................................................................................................... 3
Cricket: NSW‟s favourite sport .................................................................................... 5
NSW Blues .................................................................................................................... 7
Lend Lease Breakers ................................................................................................... 9
Cricket NSW Academy ...............................................................................................11
Sydney Thunder ..........................................................................................................13
Sydney Sixers ..............................................................................................................15
Clubs ...........................................................................................................................17
Schools........................................................................................................................19
Coaching .....................................................................................................................21
Umpiring ......................................................................................................................23
Community Engagement ...........................................................................................25
Facilities ......................................................................................................................27
Partners ......................................................................................................................28
SECTION 2: PROPOSAL FOR WAGGA WAGGA COUNCIL
High Level Proposition ...............................................................................................30
Cricket in Murrumbidgee ...........................................................................................31
Match Content ............................................................................................................33
Request from Council ................................................................................................35
Leaving a legacy – local facilities fund .....................................................................36
Contacts ......................................................................................................................37
3
Our Vision To be Australia‟s Favourite Sport in Australia‟s Biggest State
Our Aspiration
To be the Number 1 State for the production of Australian players, attendance,
fan passion, team success, participation and investment in the game
Cricket NSW Strategy
Our Values
Grow cricket‟s fan base– especially via the Sixers/Thunder 1
Be the No.1 producer of talent in Australian Cricket 2
Inspire the next generation of players, fans and volunteers 3
Energise cricket in NSW 4
Grow Investment in the game 5
Excellence 1
Ethics 2
Energy 3
Engagement 4
Enjoyment 5
5
Cricket: NSW’s favourite sport
The Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder compete in Australia‟s domestic
Twenty20 Big Bash League. Both teams have the highest TV ratings of any
Sydney based sporting teams (TV average per game – FTA and STV)
With a renewed focus participation is growing rapidly in NSW and the ACT
At the elite level NSW is most successful state, province or county in the world
Cricket NSW are currently the holder of 6 of the 12 national men‟s and women‟s titles;
Sheffield Shield
Women‟s National Cricket League
Under 19‟s Men
Under 18‟s Women‟s
Under 15‟s Women‟s
Imparja Women‟s
- 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000 800,000 900,000
1,000,000
170,206 170,492 182,142 174,772
192,433
225,153 230,451
269,000
314,655
150,000
170,000
190,000
210,000
230,000
250,000
270,000
290,000
310,000
7
NSW Blues Number 1 producer of talent in Australian Cricket
Recognised as one of the leading sporting teams in Australia, the Blues represent
NSW in the Bupa Sheffield Shield and Ryobi One-Day Cup competitions.
The squad is one of the strongest in the country featuring a number of players
with International experience, including Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Doug
Bollinger, Pat Cummins, Steve O‟Keefe, David Warner, Steven Smith, Mitchell
Starc, Trent Copeland, Nathan Lyon and Shane Watson.
With significant young talent waiting in the wings Cricket NSW will remain the
powerhouse of Australian Cricket for many seasons to come.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
NSW VIC WA SA QLD TAS
Number of Sheffield Shield Titles
Other Titles
Domestic Limited Overs
1984/85, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05,
2005/06
Domestic Twenty20
2008/09
Champions League Twenty20
2009 (inaugural champions)
9
Lend Lease Breakers Australia’s most successful female sporting team
The Lend Lease Breakers are the most successful team in the history of the
Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) with 16 titles in 18 seasons, including
the last nine in a row. The Breakers have also played in every WNCL Final Series
since the competition‟s inception in 1996/97.
They were the first team to complete "the double" by winning both the Women‟s
T20 and WNCL competitions in the same season (2012/13).
The Lend Lease Breakers are well represented in the National squad by Alex
Blackwell, Alyssa Healy, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry and Sarah Coyte.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
NSW VIC WA SA QLD TAS ACT
Number of WNCL Titles
Other Titles
National Championships
1930/31, 1931/32, 1932/33, 1936/37, 1937/38, 1950/51, 1958/59, 1961/62,
1962/63, 1974/75, 1983/84, 1989/90, 1993/94
Women‟s T20
2012/13
11
Cricket NSW Academy The talent factory of Australian Cricket
The Cricket NSW Academy is a State-wide program responsible for the
identification and development of talented male and female cricketers.
Male Programs will run in the U/13 – U/19 age groups with the Female Programs
catering for players from U/13 – U/18‟s. The Academy will also support invited
players to continue their development after graduating from underage squads.
The Cricket NSW Academy aims to offer a clear and consistent program that is
always preparing players for the next challenge in their career. Providing the
same opportunities to players living in the Sydney Metro and regional areas of
the State, young cricketers are provided with access to the highest-calibre
coaches, sports science staff and elite facilities, as well as mentoring from elite
players.
Cricket NSW already has an outstanding record with talent identification and
development, with current NSW and Australian players such as Michael Clarke,
David Warner, Patrick Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Ellyse Perry, Sarah Coyte, Erin
Osborne and Alyssa Healy having all graduated from Academy Programs.
NSW is also a significant exporter of playing talent with an additional 42 players
currently contracted by other states. Hence the title of „the talent factory of
Australian cricket‟.
Fast Facts
In excess of 240 players and 100 coaches are involved in the NSW
Academy Program
The Academy Program supports boys and girls from the Under 13 age
group through to the Under 19 level plus open age level
13
Sydney Thunder Sydney Thunder is the team that unifies the Thunder region of NSW
Highly visible within the local community, the Sydney Thunder is community
minded, accessible and proud of the region that they represent.
The Thunder plays its home games at ANZ Stadium and The Showgrounds in
Homebush. The Sydney Thunder represents the hundreds and thousands of
people in the most populous fan catchment area in the country.
It is a fan base that sees Sydney Thunder possess the highest average TV
audience of any Western Sydney-based sports team, and an average crowd of
approximately 15,000.
Sydney Thunder‟s activity is also very active at the community level, with
initiatives such as the Thunder Nation Cup, a community cricket tournament
engaging multi-cultural communities across eight local government areas.
Thunder Local Hero is a schools program that engages approximately 26,000
primary school students.
The Thunder is fast becoming part of the fabric of Sydney‟s summer and an
active contributor to the state‟s sporting culture.
Fast Facts
The KFC Big Bash League is the most watched sport on Australian
Television with average viewership of more than 900,000 people across
the competition
The Sydney Thunder are captained by “Mr Cricket” Mike Hussey who will
again join the side for BBL04
15
Sydney Sixers The Rock Stars of the Big Bash League
The Sydney Sixers are Australia‟s premier KFC T20 Big Bash League team,
winners of the first ever BBL and subsequently the Champions League T20
championship.
Playing at Sydney‟s famous SCG, the Sixers bring the party to the summer period
with big hits, big fun and big entertainment for men, women, boys and girls of all
ages.
The Sydney Sixers feature the highest average audience of any Sydney sports
team on TV as well as an average crowd most Sydney professional sporting
teams would be envious of.
Featuring a line-up of some of Australia‟s best known cricketers, including Brad
Haddin, Steve Smith, Brett Lee, Mitch Starc and Moises Henriques, the Sixers
have one of the most consistent sides on the field.
The Sydney Sixers aim to deliver a consistent experience from Stadium to
community, bringing the fun and excitement of match day to Fan Days, T20
clinics, Members days and community events.
Fast Facts
The KFC Big Bash League is the most watched sport on Australian Television
with average viewership of more than 900,000 people across the competition
Brand Essence
Self-assured
Bold
Brave
Entertaining
Colourful
17
Clubs The heartbeat of cricket in New South Wales
With more than 1,300 cricket clubs across the state, cricket is truly NSW‟s
favourite summer pastime. Cricket offers a simple pathway within the club
system from learning the basics of the game through to playing a range of
enjoyable formats.
There are many ways in which Cricket NSW supports the club cricket community;
Provision of competition management systems
National Community Facilities Funding Schemes
Delivering PlayCricket campaign via the www.playcricket.com.au website
Development and support of MILO in2Cricket and T20Blast programs as
key feeder programs for clubs
Fostering linkages with schools via the school ambassador program
Providing coach education and accreditation
Development of volunteer/umpire resources and recognition programs
Developing policies and strategies to promote inclusion
Delivering the Toyota Good For Cricket raffle with all proceeds returned to
clubs
Fast Facts
There are more than 1,300 cricket clubs across New South Wales with over
90,000 cricketers taking to the fields each weekend over summer.
19
Schools Ensuring cricket has a presence in the playgrounds of NSW schools
One of Cricket NSW‟s core objectives is to ensure that Australia‟s favourite sport
has a positive impact across all levels of education.
The programs and competitions offered by Cricket NSW are designed to help
schools foster ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty and strength of application.
Furthermore the programs aim to identify and consolidate a strong sense of
loyalty to the school and a strong school spirit for students, staff, parents and the
general community. Cricket NSW is also 100% committed to making cricket
equally a sport for boys and girls.
The primary school programs on offer provide teachers with a number of options
to get their students involved in cricket, ranging from a taste of the sport through
a MILO in2CRICKET Skills Program to a day participating in a MILO T20 BLAST
School Cup. There are also many options open to Secondary Schools including
coaching programs, Introduction to Cricket courses and MILO T20 BLAST School
Cups.
Fast Facts
Cricket is extremely popular in schools with more than 150,000 participants
across New South Wales in season 2013/2014.
126,795
104,872
34,345
130,166
150,661
33,811
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
140000
160000
Club/Community Schools Indoor
2012/2013 2013/2014
21
Coaching Ensuring a quality experience for all players
Efficient and effective coach accreditation, education and talent identification is
vital to the development of cricketers throughout NSW as well as ensuring junior
players all over the state have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Coach Accreditation
Cricket currently has four levels of coach accreditation available to potential
coaches.
1. The Introduction to Cricket - is an online program featuring interactive lessons
that provide the basics of coaching. An essential survival guide for MILO
in2CRICKET coordinators, junior team coaches, school teachers or volunteers
managing sides.
2. The Cricket Australia Community (Level One) Coaching Course - is directed
towards coaches at under-age and community cricket level who wish to
broaden their knowledge of the technical skills of the game and develop an
understanding of appropriate and effective ways to conduct sessions.
3. The Cricket Australia Representative (Level Two) Coaching Course is designed
for coaches involved at levels of the player pathway that feed into high
performance levels of cricket.
4. High Performance (Level Three) courses - Cricket Australia is responsible for
the organisation and conduct of the Level 3 coaching courses. Cricket
Australia conducts one High Performance (Level Three) Course each year.
Coach Education
Cricket NSW conducts educational seminars throughout NSW to assist coaches
at all levels to improve their knowledge, skills and understanding. These
seminars, covering a wide range of topics, are conducted by current and former
NSW and Australian players and coaches.
Fast Facts
There are over 12,000 accredited cricket coaches in NSW with 10,000 Level 1
coaches supporting junior sides all throughout the state
23
Umpiring The umpiring motto - We lead, others follow
The NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association was formed in 1913 with the
predominant objective of improving the standard of umpiring and the status of
umpires at all levels of the game.
In pursuit of this objective the Association has developed a sophisticated system
of training and examination for umpires and scorers.
It has also established an infrastructure of Affiliated Associations and branches
throughout the state. This means that training and examination facilities,
although controlled centrally, are administered locally and available to existing
and potential umpires and scorers in all areas of NSW.
The Umpires and Scorers Association
With a membership of close to 1300, the Association has representation at all
levels of cricket. Rod Tucker is a member of the ICC Elite Umpire Panel, Gerard
Abood and Greg Davidson are members of the Cricket Australia National Umpire
Panel and Simon Lightbody, David Taylor, Ben Treloar and Tony Wilds are all
members of the Cricket Australia Emerging Umpire Panel.
Training Programs
Comprehensive training courses are organised during the autumn to winter
period throughout NSW. An Annual State Convention for umpires and scorers is
conducted prior to the commencement of each season as a way of preparing
Umpiring is a great way to stay involved in the game, as many will tell you “it is
the best seat in the house!” Umpiring and scoring welcomes men and women of
all ages who have a love for and an interest in cricket.
25
Community Engagement Ensuring Cricket is a sport for all Australians
Cricket NSW is committed to ensuring cricket is a sport for Australians from every
race, gender, culture, economic background and religion. Sport is widely
recognised as a powerful tool for social cohesion and change. As Australia‟s
favourite sport, cricket is leading the way in offering diverse programs to diverse
communities.
Females Programs
Cricket NSW is proud of its history as the most progressive and successful state
for women. The Lendlease Breakers have dominated the WNCL since inception
and Cricket NSW continues to develop programs and initiatives to significantly
grow female participation at all levels. Initiatives include girl‟s only programs
including a new T20 Blast Girls initiative and a new competitive league for girls,
the Breakers Junior Cricket League.
Multicultural (Mosaic Cricket) Programs
Cricket NSW works closely with a range of organisations who are cultural
engagement specialists to create and deliver tailored programs and events. For
example our Development Managers across NSW offer programs that are tailored
for students in Intensive English Centres and schools where there are children of
non-English speaking backgrounds.
Indigenous (Imparja Cricket) Programs
Thirty four teams, over 500 players and supporters converge on Alice Springs
each year to participate in Cricket Australia‟s national Indigenous tournament,
the Imparja Cup, hosted by Northern Territory Cricket. Cricket NSW has men‟s
and women‟s teams who compete. Additionally Cricket NSW delivers regional
blitzes to remote communities across NSW.
All Ability Programs
Cricket NSW‟s „All Ability' strategy ensures that there is equal opportunity for all to
engage with cricket. Working with a range of specialist disability providers, such
as the Bradman Foundation and Special Olympics to ensure that cricket is
available for everyone. Specialist staff are trained to deliver programs in schools
and Clubs to support people with special needs.
27
Facilities Providing quality playing environments
Cricket NSW understands the importance of quality facilities for community
cricket clubs to be a viable and strong part of their local community.
Consequently we are committed to collaborating with all levels of Government to
create safe, inclusive and fit for purpose environments for players, participants,
spectators, officials and volunteers.
Cricket NSW is working with Cricket Australia to develop Preferred Facility
Requirements to provide guidelines for clubs and Local Government to meet
appropriate standards for all levels of cricket.
Cricket NSW is creating a directory of preferred suppliers who are recognised as
best practice providers including construction of cricket nets, sightscreens,
wicket covers, rollers and sports field construction. It is our intension to share
this directory and subsequent information with local government and the cricket
community to ensure that cricket facilities are state-of-the-art and sustainable.
Synthetic turf surfaces are becoming an important consideration for sports as the
demand on existing facilities increases and our population grows. Cricket
Australia in conjunction with the AFL provides relevant information through the
establishment of Official Licensed Manufacturers which supports the CA-AFL
program.
Fast Facts
Cricket NSW has a significant community facility grants program that Councils,
Cricket Associations and cricket Clubs are eligible to apply for. Season
2014/2015 will see a particular emphasis to support projects that create or
improve synthetic training nets and playing facilities.
30
High Level Proposition
1. Cricket NSW is committed to growing participation and enhancing the profile
of cricket in one of NSW and Australia‟s proudest sporting regions.
2. Cricket NSW is committed to enhancing the grassroots infrastructure in the
Murrumbidgee region
3. From 2014/2015 we would like to partner with Wagga Wagga City Council to
host the following:
1 Sheffield Shield Match (2014/2015)
2 State Challenges / or equivalent (2015/2016, 2016/2017)
4. Cricket NSW is seeking the support of Wagga Wagga City Council for the
following:
a. Preparing Robertson Oval and facilities to cater for First Class Cricket
b. Basic event hosting requirements (waste management, traffic control
and other typical event requirements)
5. To support the delivery of the fixtures and tournaments Cricket NSW proposes
the establishment of a working group with representatives from Cricket NSW,
Wagga Wagga City Council and Wagga Wagga District Cricket Association
6. Rather than seeking event sponsorship Cricket NSW would like Council to
consider a $15K per annum contribution to a grassroots facility reserve.
31
Cricket in Murrumbidgee With over 11,500 participants in the region Wagga Wagga has been
identified as having national priority
Kids
The Murrumbidgee region has 116 Primary and 29 Secondary Schools.
Cricket NSW Game Development department engages schools in a range of
cricket activities that include competitions, gala days, skill development
programs, leadership and coach education
Clubs
The Murrumbidgee regions clubs clubs coordinate 16 Milo in2CRICKET
centres providing an introduction to cricket for 5-8 year old girls and boys
167 junior club teams provide competition cricket for 2500 children during
the summer season
179 senior club teams provide close to 2500 senior cricketers with
competition cricket in a range of two-day, one-day and T20 formats
Communities
Wagga Wagga has a rich history of providing both International and First Class
cricketers and is the city where Australian Cricket players Geoff Lawson,
Michael Slater and Mark Taylor grew up and played their junior cricket.
17 dedicated Female cricket teams with 250 participants compete in club and
representative competitions
A T20 BLAST mid-week twilight competition was introduced in 2013/14 for 8
– 12 year olds.
32
Events
2014 saw the renaming of Bolton Park ovals to Geoff Lawson, Mark Taylor
and Michael Slater Ovals as well as renaming Ashmont Oval after the late
Jack Misson.
Wagga Wagga regularly hosts NSW Country Cricket Competitions and
Carnivals. Currently the Colston – Scamell Shield brings over 100 junior
cricketers, support staff and their families to Wagga Wagga over a 3 day
period in November.
Elite Highlights
The ACT Meteors hosted home matches against the NSW Breakers in
Wagga Wagga at the newly redeveloped Robertson Oval. T20 and 50 over
matches were held across 3 days including matches under lights.
33
Match Content Over a three year period the following match content will be provided to the
Murrumbidgee Region;
Season 2014/2015 – Sheffield Shield Game (February 24th to 27th, 2015 TBC)
Season 2015/2016 – Under 14 State Challenge (January 2016) TBC
Season 2016/2017 – Under 14 State Challenge (January 2017) TBC
Bupa Sheffield Shield
Background on Bupa Sheffield Shield
A Sheffield Shield match is played over four days and is the premier domestic
cricket competition in Australia.
Previous Representative Cricket at Robertson Oval
These matches, and the associated crowd numbers, are listed below:
1878 – Wagga Wagga v Australian XI (1st recorded 1st Grade match)
1932, 1959 and 1971 NSW Country v Marylebone CC
1979 – WSC World XI v WSC Cavaliers
1980 – NSW Country v New Zealand XI
1991 – NSW Country v Indian XI – 3,000 people
2013 – WNCL Matches NSW v ACT Meteors (3 days)
Robertson Oval prior to the WNCL match between NSW Breakers v ACT Meteors (2013)
34
State Challenges
The Cricket NSW state challenges are the pinnacle of the talent pathway for
metropolitan and regional players. The state challenges are a week of cricket
with 8 teams participating in a high performance competition.
In addition to the playing group the challenges are well attended by the families
of those participating resulting in considerable economic impact to the local
economy.
Visitor Numbers for State Challenge
Visitor Group Number
Players 104
Coaches and Umpires 32
Cricket NSW Staff 4
Family Members (assuming 2 per player) 208
Total 348
Australian representative and NSW Breakers Captain Alex Blackwell presenting a signed
playing shirt to Wagga Wagga Council staff on Robertson Oval
35
Request from Council Establish a Working Group
Support from council is requested to establish a working group to plan and
execute the events. The working group will consist of representative from:
Cricket NSW
Wagga Wagga City Council
Wagga Wagga District Cricket Association
Support to deliver events and competitions
Cricket NSW is seeking the support of Wagga Council for the following:
a. Preparing Robertson Oval and surrounding facilities to cater for First
Class Cricket, in particular
i. Practice facilities – turf practice area to be prepared
ii. Secure player viewing area established (to be addressed with
support from Cricket NSW Operations department
b. Basic event hosting logistics to be facilitated by council (in kind
support):
i. Waste Management
ii. Traffic Management
iii. Utilities (electricity, water etc)
iv. Other items identified by the working group
36
Leaving a legacy – local
facilities fund A facilities reserve will be established with Wagga Council into which the Council
will contribute $15K per year for three years. It is expected that several other
groups will match this funding which will be directed at community facilities:
Cricket NSW
Cricket Australia
Wagga Wagga District Cricket Association including Cricket Clubs
Local Members of Parliament (via Community Building Partnerships)
Cricket NSW will take a proactive approach to support the following;
Work with the local cricket community to identify and prioritise facility
development needs
Leverage funding from community and other government grants programs
Total value of the local facilities fund – in excess $60K per year (for three years)
37
Contacts
Cameron French
General Manager – Game Development
0425 297 704
Anthony Brooks
Government Relations and Infrastructure Manager
0404 022 104