Growing the Game Together on the Central Coast

Guided by the theme "Grow, Connect, Retain", representatives from all ten Central Coast Cricket Association (CCCA) clubs recently came together to share ideas, discuss challenges and develop strategies at the Women and Girls Cricket Club Leadership Forum. The forum focused on growing participation, strengthening connections and improving retention in women and girls' cricket across the region.

The forum comes at an exciting time for women and girls’ cricket on the Central Coast. 

In recent years, the Central Coast has seen significant growth in women and girls’ cricket, both in participation and governance. The Association currently has four women represented on the board, ensuring there are diverse perspectives helping shape the future of cricket. 

"We wanted to be part of the conversations shaping the future of the game and helping it reach its full potential", CCCA Female Cricket Coordinator Carly Kidd said. 

That growth is also being reflected on the field. Junior girls’ cricket registrations have increased by 25 per cent since the 2023-24 season, growing from two grades to three, with 17 teams and 190 players. The senior competition has also continued to evolve, with playing formats and competition structures adapting with the development of players.  

"When I started playing we had eight-a-side competitions and now we've built that up to where our first grade competition is played under full cricket rules with 11-a-side teams," Kidd said. 

On the night, women and girls’ retention remained a significant topic of conversation. Many clubs have found success in attracting new participants through Come and Try Days, school engagement and social media activity, but struggle to retain players as they transition from junior to senior cricket. 

"We want to retain the players and keep people in the sport," Kidd said. "Cricket is your friendship circle. It teaches you more than just the game. It's about leadership, community, and connection." 

This challenge is not confined to the Central Coast, or cricket alone. Research shows nearly two-thirds of Australian girls leave organised sport by the age of 15, compared to less than half of boys.  

To keep more girls connected to cricket for longer, and to create excitement ahead of the season, the CCCA has introduced a pre-season skills clinic that was attended by more than 40 girls, along with a Girls Coaching Course which attracted 15 registrations.  

Among those attending the forum was Narara-Wyoming Cricket Club President Alicia White, who made history this season as the first female club president in CCCA history. 

White's cricket journey began after her daughter, who had already been involved in the game for five years, asked her mum to start playing with her. What began as supporting her daughter's involvement quickly turned into a love of the game and a desire to help create positive change within her club. 

After joining the committee and serving as Vice President, White was elected President this season, an experience she described as "extremely overwhelming" due to the support and recognition that came with becoming the club's first female President.  

"Within Narara we have so many women on the committee now, and so many women on committees across other clubs," White said. "I am glad that women feel they can step up in a historically male-oriented sport and take on higher roles." 

One of White's biggest takeaways from the forum was the strong sense of collaboration between clubs and their shared focus on creating more opportunities for women and girls to thrive in cricket. 

"Everybody is in the same boat," she said. "If a woman or a girl wants to play cricket, it is irrelevant what club they play for." 

White also believes clubs must continue creating environments where women and girls feel genuinely welcomed and supported. 

"More support from clubs, more opportunities and more men supporting women in cricket are all important," she said. "We also need to make sure women have access to the same development opportunities and coaching support." 

At Narara-Wyoming, that commitment can be seen through a range of initiatives. The club has ensured equal representation and team naming conventions across club communications, introduced coloured playing pants for female players, and is developing a women's community initiative that encourages mums and partners of players to become involved through activations such as group afternoon teas. The club has also embraced initiatives such as Pink Stumps Day, which White said has become an important opportunity to bring together players, families and volunteers while supporting the McGrath Foundation. 

"We are working really hard to be inclusive of all people" White said, "it is not just about cricket, but about creating a community where people can support each other, have fun, make friends and belong all year round." 

Following the success of the forum, the CCCA plans to hold two Women and Girls Cricket Leadership Forums each season, creating regular opportunities for clubs to reflect, share ideas and continue improving the experience for female players across the region. 

For Kidd, the evening reinforced that the future of women and girls' cricket on the Central Coast will be built through connection and collaboration, ensuring every player feels they have a place in the game. 

"It really highlighted that we are all in it for the same thing," Kidd said. 

"We just want to play cricket. We want to create safe and inclusive environments, we want people to have fun, we want to support those striving for representative opportunities in a competitive environment, but also encourage those that want to play just socially. We want a sense of community and we want a place where people can step away from day-to-day life for a few hours and enjoy being part of something."