Young up-and-coming cricketers got a firsthand look at someone who has benefited from working with the Sydney Thunder during Monday’s Thunder Camp at John McGrath Oval.
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The annual school holiday camp rolled into town this week and working alongside local Cricket NSW Development Manager was local cricketers Dan French and Emma Hughes, someone well involved with the Sydney Thunder.
Hughes was part of the Sydney Thunder’s Regional Rookie Search program this season while she also traveled to Sydney to attend sessions with the side’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) squad.
“For her to give up some of her time and help out here with the kids is great and hopefully it shows them (Camp attendees) there is a pathway and its not just about playing cricket in Dubbo,” Ellis said.
“If you’re good enough and work hard and apply yourself there are opportunities and the Sydney Thunder extending that opportunity to Emma is outstanding and its great she can bring back some of the knowledge and share it with the youngsters here today.”
While hoping to inspire future stars and possible Big Bash League (BBL), Ellis added the Camp Thunder sessions were all about exposing more people to the sport.
A healthy number of children was in attendance on Monday, taking part on a huge number of drills and activities before playing a match out on the pitch in the afternoon.
“The Sydney Thunder really do like getting out in to the community and giving back to the community,” Ellis said.
“The BBL and WBBL has attracted a lot of attention...the Thunder is starting get some momentum on the field and really priding itself for its work off the field and we feel what we do off the field and engaging with the next generation of cricketers is really important.”
There was a real sense of fun around the session as well with music playing the whole time while an appearance from the Thunder’s WBBL mascot Storm was a another highlight.
“It’s a well-thought through program and it’s designed to be high energy and engaging and it’s more targeting entry-level cricketers, kids who haven’t had a lot of exposure to cricket,” Ellis said.
“It’s giving them a positive experience, teaching them the skills and helping them to become better cricketers while giving them a great time in their school holidays.”
