The Cricket NSW Foundation, in a bid to provide better training to umpires across the state, provided a grant to the NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers’ Association (NSWCUSA) in the 2023-24 season to enable greater access to cricket for aspiring umpires across regional NSW.
CNSW Foundation grant upskills 58 umpires
The grant allowed the NSWCUSA to subsidise the cost of attending and sitting the Laws of Cricket workshops across NSW to remove a financial barrier to getting more umpires officiating games of cricket in NSW.
There were 58 umpires who benefited from this grant, paving the way for benefitting the thousands of cricket participants who will now have accredited umpires officiate their matches, elevating the quality of the game.
The sessions were conducted in the following towns during the 2023-24 season:
- Grafton – 9 attendees
- Maitland – 8 attendees
- Central Coast – 17 attendees
- Newcastle – 16 attendees
- Wagga Wagga – 8 attendees
Troy Penman, Executive Officer, NSWCUSA, said:
“The NSWCUSA is thankful for the funding provided by the Cricket NSW Foundation to help eliminate financial barriers for prospective members in regional NSW.
At a time where financial pressures are being felt by all, the founding allows people to attend our two-day Laws of Cricket course at a reduced cost. Last season saw 58 people take advantage of the subsidised course fee to upskill.
The follow-on effect for local cricket across the state is significant, with accredited umpires taking to the field to assist with the running of matches and to provide the best experience for those playing the game.”
Jake Balnave, Head of Cricket NSW Foundation, said:
“The Cricket NSW Foundation’s primary objective Is to increase the access to cricket and remove barriers to participation for everyone across NSW. Through this grant, we have been able to allow those who may not be able to play anymore, the opportunity to remain a part of the game and give back through umpiring.
It is Cricket NSW’s constant endeavour to increase the number of umpires in the state and to provide the necessary training to upskill umpires. The CNSW Foundation stepped in to support the endeavour the last 2023/24 season, and as a result, we have 58 accredited umpires who will now be able to officiate in community matches across the state.
“We hope to continue to support this area in forthcoming seasons.”