Peel Junior Cricket Association shining the spotlight on female pathways

Headed by president Julie Boyd, vice president Rebecca McLennan and secretary Deb Jones, the PJCA has made it their mission to bring girls cricket in the Peel region into the frame, beginning at the grassroots junior level.

Over recent seasons the association has been hard at work developing its inaugural girls competition, which currently houses five under 13s teams for youngsters aged 10-13.

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In that time Peel has also contributed an under 15s side to the Perth Scorchers Girls Cricket League, and the Peel Cricket Association’s senior branch has launched five-team women’s competition.

But the work is far from over, with the PJCA eager to expand on its female divsions as they continue to explore the option of adding an under 11s competition.

McLennan stressed the importance of getting girls involved in cricket from a young age, as well as citing the social benefits that come with the sport.

“Girls who get into cricket early and join programs like our Junior Blasters tend to pick up a lot of the natural skills really easily,” she said.

“Growing up I loved cricket and I always wanted to play but there weren’t many avenues to get involved, so to be able to promote the girls side of the game now is huge.

“It really helps them make new friends and pick up a lot of social skills too.”

The rise of the Women’s Big Bash League in recent seasons has been instrumental in sparking junior female participation, according to Boyd, who said it gave youngsters a pathway to follow and heroes to idolise.

“For young girls to be able to see people like Ellyse Perry playing on TV and to know they can follow in her footsteps, that’s just something that hasn’t existed in previous years,” she said.

“It’s a real confidence booster for them to know they can achieve what she’s achieved if they’re dedicated to cricket.”

The PJCA is currently on the lookout for more female juniors to join their ranks as they hope to expand their current competitions.

A come and try day for young girls interested in playing will be held in Baldivis on Friday, February 8 to show aspiring stars the ropes.

For more information on the day or to find out how to register a child for junior cricket, search for you local area on playcricket.com.au or check out the Peel Junior Cricket Association Facebook page.