Cricket Australia launches digital program for kids

Anywhere Blast is a free and flexible virtual program started by CA keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in mind as an innovative cricket experience for kids’ engagement as part of the Board’s five-year strategy to make the game accessible to all Australians. The initiative will help young cricketers based in Victoria, who aren’t able to participate in cricket programs until later this year, with the development of their game.

The program features six 20-minute sessions led by Australia and Melbourne Stars pace bowler Holly Ferling and former men’s international cricketer Peter Siddle. The program has weekly challenges to develop kids’ skills like fundamental movement, ball handling, batting, bowling, catching and throwing.

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Ferling, who has played 34 international matches for Australia so far, said cricket should adapt itself with times to continue its position as one of the most accessible sports.

“Cricket is one of the most accessible sports, but it’s needed to adapt to ensure kids around the country, and particularly Victoria, can experience learning cricket from home,” Ferling said. “It was a lot of fun bringing the sessions to life, and I hope kids all over Australia can continue to develop their skills and have a bit of fun with us.”

Siddle, who represented Australia in 89 matches across formats, talked about the importance of teaching young kids the fundamentals of playing cricket. “Any chance we can get to teach young kids the fundamentals of playing cricket is important, so it’s great that we can provide that to young Victorian kids for the next couple of months,” Siddle said.

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Stuart Whiley, Cricket Australia head of participation and programs, talked about the role of community sport in the development of young kids and hoped the program will provide an opportunity to work on their skills until the community sport returns while launching the program.

“We’re excited to launch the Anywhere Blast program, particularly for those who haven’t been able to engage with face-to-face sessions at their local Cricket Blast centre,” Whiley said. “We’ve been developing options to help parents and kids at home, and this is timely for kids to get into cricket ahead of Term 1 programs.

“Community sport plays a critical role for the development of young kids, and we’re feeling for those eager to go who have to wait until they can get into the season. We know this isn’t quite the real thing, but we think it’s important to provide them with a form of cricket to keep their skills going,” he concluded.