To celebrate International Women’s Day, WA Cricket Media sat down with Perth Scorcher Lilly Mills, along with Coach & Talent Development Manager for Female Programs – and former Hockeyroo – Madonna Blyth to learn more about a targeted initiative recognising and rewarding talented young female cricketers.
Each season, some of the best and brightest youngsters from across Perth are invited to the ‘North v South Game’ at the iconic WACA Ground.
The special showcase aims to recognise their performance, while providing targeted support to bridge the gap between premier and representative cricket. In season 2022-23, Under 14’s cricketers were selected for the first time, as well as some of the city’s top Under 17’s players.
“For the girls it’s just another opportunity for them to develop as cricketers, in a pretty competitive environment,” Blyth said.
“They’re still having fun, still enjoying themselves, but also being able to step up to that next level.”
The players were given access to expert mentoring from Perth Scorchers Lilly Mills and Piepa Cleary as guest coaches.
“It was a really hard-fought game,” Mills said.
“It’s great to see the really competitive nature of the girls coming through and their journey along the WA Cricket pathway, to hopefully play for the Scorchers one day.”
UN Women Australia’s International Women’s Day theme for 2023 is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’.
By ensuring equal access for women and girls and creating clear pathways, WA Cricket is committed to working towards cracking the code to gender equality.
“Particularly in Australian cricket the male pathways have been going for a long time, they’re embedded and producing amazing talent,” Blyth said.
“For the girls it’s about offering them the same, but maybe taking it a step further to try and accelerate their development and opportunities.”
The WA Cricket Foundation provides a range of programs designed to empower the next generation of young women through cricket.
To learn more click here.