14 year old Mason with Australian Player Nathan Lyon at the WACA Ground.
Cricket is full of inspiring stories.
The start of every player’s journey is unique.
When Charlene took her son Mason to the WACA Ground for the Autism Come and Try Day she didn’t know her and her son’s lives were about to change for the better.
That day was the start of Mason’s journey into cricket, and it’s already proven to be quite the ride.
Mason and his family discovered the Belt Up Integrated Cricket League (ICL) on their visit to the famous East Perth venue, which would go on to give them a sense of belonging.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” Charlene said when asked about her family’s journey.
“The Belt Up ICL for our family has been an opportunity to connect and to make friends, which is important.
“It has become an extension of our family, not just for the kids, but the parents to engage and have that connection and sense of community.
“To have people that understand you and to get that connection in a community is important.”
The WA Cricket Foundation programs, including The Belt Up ICL, give children the chance to connect, grow, and thrive. Families are given the support and friendships they often struggle to find elsewhere.
Charlene said Mason’s participation in the Belt Up ICL had been incredibly beneficial for his physical and mental wellbeing.
“Having autism, it’s sometimes hard to create those friendships and have people that understand and get you,” she said.
“Having that connection with people that get it and are the same as you and you can see the same qualities and strengths in other people I think has been amazing for him.
“He gets me up very early on Sunday mornings with enthusiasm.
“He has that passion, not just for the sport, but for those friendships and having those mates he otherwise wouldn’t have.
“They’re people to lean on when times are tough.”
Another appealing aspect of the Belt Up ICL is it welcomes all players, regardless of their skill level.
No player is left to sit on the sidelines, and everyone gets the chance to participate in the match.
Charlene said the league had opened countless opportunities on and off the field for Mason and his teammates.
“There’s been lots of opportunities provided by WA Cricket Foundation for kids to do things they wouldn’t have otherwise done,” she said.
“They got to play before a Scorchers game at Optus Stadium and absolutely loved it.
“Everyone gets a go and you aren’t sitting on the bench if your skills aren’t up to par.
“I would say to come and give it a try because it’s been amazing for my family.”
Through the WA Cricket Foundation, pathways and programs are provided for people with a disability in cricket from grassroots through to state and national representation. The Foundation invests in people and possibility, and delivers what truly matters to the community.
If you would like to help give children like Mason a chance to find their confidence, community and their joy through cricket and beyond, you can make a tax-deductible donation before June 30 here.