WA's next elite Indigenous cricketers vying for exclusive academy spots

Jarred Cross Published July 19, 2024 at 7.45am (AWST)

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WA Cricket kicked off their Aboriginal Talent Academy trials in Perth this week. (Image: supplied, WA Cricket)

Aspiring First Nations cricketers are putting themselves "in the mix" for elite futures at WA Cricket's Aboriginal Talent Academy trials starting this week.

More than 30 male and female cricketers between the ages of 12 and early 20s are jostling for sought-after spots in the academy's 10-week program heading into the summer.

Supported by the WA Cricket Foundation, trials kicked off Tuesday at Revolution Sports indoor centre in Perth.

Just 12-14 will be lucky enough to secure their spot.

Former Australian side all-rounder Zoe Goss, perhaps best known for sending Brian Lara back to the pavilion in an exhibition match at the SCG in 1994, is Aboriginal Talent Academy head coach.

"This academy is about upskilling young Indigenous people that have the potential to play at higher levels," she said.

"The group is just so wonderful to be around. They're very welcoming. They're really keen, and they have a great balance between serious competitiveness and having fun.

"We've got quite a good talent at the senior level, but we need some people coming in behind them...it's another really good purpose of this academy, so we can focus on the next generation coming through."

24 months on from the first trials, the numbers of those competing for spots in the Academy have tripled from this time last year.

Now WA Cricket Project Officer, Aboriginal & Multicultural Cricket, Cody Hoffmeister was once one of those successful in earning an Academy spot.

*Cody Hoffmeister said this year's trials are "really exciting with a wide range of ages attending". (Image: supplied, WA Cricket)*

He said the Foundation's support is a massive help to accessing coaches, equipment and net hire.

"I came to the very first trials and was lucky enough to be selected. This year, now will be a memory of mine as the biggest one I've had in the last three years, which is really exciting with a wide range of ages attending."

Elijah Dare knows the benefit of high performance pathways first hand.

Still at school, the batter successfully entered the academy last year, on his was helping WA triumph at this year's National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) - alongside Hoffmeister.

He said the Academy is a "massive opportunity" for opening the door into high-performance spaces.

"it gets your name in the mix with lots of well-developed people like you need. You need to get into the programs to make your way up...to become a cricketer you need to first get in the state mix. And this helps get your name in that bunch of people."

Trials continue next Tuesday.