For the second straight year, the ACT has shown to be nation-leading in the release of the Australian Cricket Census for the 2023/2024 season.
Coming in Play Cricket Week, where young players with all levels of experience and ability are encouraged to sign up to play for the 2024/2025 cricket season, the Census highlighted significant national increases in a number of key metrics, including:
- Total registered participation up 5%
- Woolworths Cricket Blast registered participation up 19%
- Registrations among 5-12 year-olds up 5%
- Women and girls registered participation up 18%, and
- Registered participation of South-Asian children in junior cricket and Blast programs up 13%
From a local perspective, the Census figures showed that no Australian state or territory has enjoyed as much junior participation growth as the ACT.
Junior cricket registrations in the Territory increased by 5% during the 2023/24 season, against the backdrop of a 3% decrease nationally.
This junior participation growth is headlined by an incredible 89% increase in young girls 12 and under, and an outstanding 71% rise in females 13 and over on pre-COVID numbers.
The ACT stands out as the only state or territory to record growth in both of these key segments, while the ACT has seen an 18% growth in South-Asian junior cricket participation as well.
Overall, total registered participation across all segments in the ACT grew by 11%, which is more than double the national growth rate of 5%. These strong census results highlight the ACT's effective strategies and initiatives in promoting and developing cricket at junior level.
Adrian Brunker, Cricket ACT Head of Community Cricket said:
“It’s been fantastic to see the ACT leading the Australian Cricket Census figures for a second a season, which represents a strong recognition of our focus on achieving sustainable year-on-year growth in the game locally.
“As the ACT’s population, and that of the surrounding regions continues to grow, it’s been wonderful to see the growth of cricket participation keep track with population growth.
“We also have to acknowledge the work of our tireless and committed volunteers. As much as we want to promote quality cricket experiences, that can’t happen without the coaches, umpires, officials and parents who give up their time so selflessly.
“Going forward, our emphasis will continue to promote the concept of cricket truly being a game for all, and we look forward to growing our already strong relationships with all elements of our cricket community.