White Ferns inspire young female cricketers
Tuesday 8 December 2009, 2:15PM
By New Zealand Sponsorship Agency
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Heaton Normal Intermediate (Christchurch), Waimea Intermediate (Nelson), Viscount School (Auckland) and Tawa Intermediate (Wellington) cricket teams get special training session
White Ferns Sarah McGlashan, Lucy Doolan, Abby Burrows and Rachel Candy hosted a training session for young female cricketers at Ongley Park in Palmerston North earlier this week.
The session was part of the MILO Shield, a two day cricket tournament where eight national primary and intermediate school teams from around the country contest for the title of national champions. The teams who participated in the unique training session were Heaton Normal Intermediate (Christchurch), Waimea Intermediate (Nelson), Viscount School (Auckland), Tawa Intermediate (Wellington).
McGlashan, also the Women’s National Development Officer at New Zealand Cricket explains, “This is a great opportunity for the girls to learn skills early on and we have a well structured programme which teaches the fundamentals and involves fun games.”
The strength of women’s cricket today is evident in the success of the White Ferns at the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup where they qualified for the final after winning over both Pakistan and India.
Cricket is becoming increasingly popular amongst girls in New Zealand, with over 7000 taking part in junior cricket in 2009.
“The MILO Shield competition is an outstanding opportunity for young girls to display their cricket skills,” says Tawa Intermediate teacher Pam Clarke.
“The added bonus of having a training session with the White Ferns makes for a very exciting tournament. It has inspired the girls for both the competition and their futures in cricket.”
McGlashan competed in MILO cricket programmes when she was a young player and has already seen some emerging talent at this year’s event.
The four teams relished the chance to train with the country’s top female cricketers. Waimea vice Captain Mel Harris said she learned a great deal from the White Ferns. “It was an awesome opportunity to learn new skills and gain more experience in cricket.”
Sophie O’Connell, Captain of Waimea, said it was interesting to be part of the training session with the White Ferns.
“It’s been really good and lots of fun. It’s great that we got to meet the White Ferns and they are quite cool as well,” she said enthused.