OUTDATED and dilapidated change room facilities are holding back players from taking up cricket. Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has raised the issue in parliament, calling for grassroots cricket clubs to have modern change rooms that will encourage new players, including women and girls, to slip on the whites and take to the field.
“Elite competitions receive substantial funding for renovations and upgrades, but grassroots cricket, where every future champion starts, is severely underfunded,” said Ms Lovell.
“The problem is especially serious for women and junior players, where a lack of suitable change rooms can be a real barrier to participation.”
Goulburn Murray Cricket reports that most change room facilities in the regions are outdated and have not been upgraded since the 1980s. Many are not female or junior friendly, and do not meet the current standards of Cricket Australia.
Ms Lovell said that young women have been inspired by standout players like Ellyse Perry, and if more girls are to participate in cricket, the State Government must invest in facilities that are modern, comfortable and safe.
James Stokes, operations manager for Goulburn Murray Cricket, has called on the Minister for Community Sport to assist in building better cricket facilities, after reports that some young women have had to change behind cars because of the lack of female friendly change rooms.
