Jackie Newman’s cricket journey #ChoosetoChallenge

Jackie, tell us about your cricket journey..

I started volunteering at my local club about 5 years ago when my sons started playing cricket in the junior program. I could tell that there were too little doing too much and so I put my hand up to help and haven’t looked back since. I enjoy volunteering in the community and working with kids and their cricket journeys. I am lucky to be a part of such a supportive cricket club in the Inverloch Cricket Club – where we promote fairness, inclusiveness and playing within the spirit of the game.

As a female in a male dominated sport, how have you seen this change over the years?

As the years go on we are seeing more and more females participate in cricket. I believe the women’s cricket team are a big part of this increase, as they are such inspiring role models. Also Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria in our State of Victoria have been fantastic in funding and promoting increased female participation by raising awareness and encouraging females to become involved.

What’s your hope for young females participating in the sport for the future?

My hope is that there a designated female competition in every region for girls to feel safe and included to join in and try cricket. I also wish that there was more confidence instilled in females to participate in the cricket side and non cricket side of the sport.

What does International Women’s day mean to you?

For me it’s about raising awareness and celebrating all the great work that women do all over the world day in and day out. #girlpower