Making All Rounders For Life

Sat 28 Feb 2015 – Sun 19 Apr 2015

9:30am – 5:00pm

For nearly a decade the Avon West Cricket Academy has used cricket to reach out to local Aboriginal children. Supported by funds from the WA Cricket Association (WACA) and run by volunteers it works to engage local teenagers by offering a safe environment, good coaching and a pathway to further cricket success. The provision of afternoon tea on training days and breakfasts on game days is part of the continuing success of the program.

It started at the Avonvale Primary School in 2006 with a focus on developing and fostering an enjoyment of the game amongst local Aboriginal communities. The program was seen as a vehicle to bring students, some who had a high risk of offending, into the wider community. By being part of a team and teaching respect for umpires and the opposition, the program offers positive alternatives and the opportunities for further success and education. Two players, Bevan Bennell and Gordon Narrier, have secured scholarships at private schools in Perth. Bevan has also represented Australia in the under-17s.

More recently the program has expanded to include non-Aboriginal players. Two teams are generally fielded – one strong side and one development team of beginners and younger players. Teams are mixed and a number of talented girls, including Dakota Narrier, Rikki Garlett and Maliti Angus, have participated. Following limited success in their early years Academy teams have won three premierships in recent years.

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