WA Cricket is proud to unveil its Aboriginal Talent Academy, providing new pathway opportunities for Aboriginal cricketers.
With the support of the WA Cricket Foundation, the Academy aims to identify talented male and female players across Western Australia, supporting and guiding them towards state and national selection.
The Academy is the first of its kind in the country, as WA Cricket continues to lead the nation in developing pathways for Aboriginal players.
Under Head Coach Zoe Goss players are offered a specialised schedule, with selected players invited to train alongside WA representative squads.
Goss is assisted by coaches from the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) and WA Cricket’s High Performance program, supported by WA allrounder Lisa Griffith as Specialist Coach, WA allrounder D’Arcy Short as Player Ambassador and Academy Coordinator Michael Bailey.
The training sessions also provide the NICC coaches with the opportunity for professional development and feedback, building their skills and further improving the pathway.
Academy players will also complete cultural awareness and identity sessions, strengthening their connection to culture and providing a holistic support network.
The inaugural intake comprises nine players, three female and six male, selected through an invitational trails process.
Most training sessions take place at the iconic WACA Ground, giving Academy players access to the most iconic sporting venue in Western Australia.
The WA Cricket Foundation facilitates programs connecting communities and inspiring future leaders throughout Western Australia.
We have increased our reach and capacity across remote communities to engage more Aboriginal youth in cricket, with more than 1,000 participants now involved in our Aboriginal programs.
Comments attributable to Aboriginal Talent Academy Head Coach – Zoe Goss:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to fast-track some untapped talent in the Aboriginal community. I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen so far, the players are very dedicated and extremely talented, so it’s very exciting.
“I spent a lot of time with Aboriginal people as a kid in Port Hedland, so I’m really enjoying learning as much as I am teaching in this role.
“This is a fantastic investment by WA Cricket, and I think they will reap the rewards in no time.”
Comments attributable to Aboriginal Talent Academy Coordinator – Michael Bailey:
“The Academy is all about creating a clearer pathway for Aboriginal cricketers into Premier Cricket and into High Performance programs at WA Cricket.
“There’s also an aspect of cultural identity and making players feel comfortable by creating a safe place so they feel supported in our programs.
“Cricket is a sport for all, so WA Cricket is always looking at way that we can increase the number of Aboriginal cricketers in our programs. It would be awesome to see a future WA cricketer come out of them someday soon.”
Aboriginal Talent Academy Inaugural Intake
• Destiny Mippy – Perth Cricket Club
• Veronica Keen – Midland Guildford Cricket Club
• Charlotte Toohey – Melville Cricket Club
• Hayden Collins – Midland Guildford Cricket Club
• Kyall Roach – Willetton Cricket Club
• Bevan Bennell – Great Boulder Cricket Club
• Koby Jackson – Mt Lawley Cricket Club
• Jay Collard – Rockingham Mandurah Cricket Club
• Nic Taylor – South Perth Cricket Club