Project dates

October 2017-June 2018

Project overview

The Sixers Smash project gave international and domestic students the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of T20 Cricket through six one-day cricket events. The project enhanced the living experience for international students as it created an opportunity for students to participate in sport in a social and cohesive environment with local communities and local cricket clubs.

Project highlights

The Sixers Smash project raised community awareness of the benefits of international students to NSW and its communities, built connections between students and their local cricket clubs and further enhanced their experience of fitting into Australian sporting culture.

Project background

The idea behind the project was to give international students an opportunity to experience playing an Australian favourite sport and create links between local universities and local cricket clubs.

Outcomes

The project created work-integrated learning opportunities for students who were identified as Cricket Ambassadors from the Sixers Smash events. This improved students’ access to employment opportunities post-studies. Four Cricket Ambassador interns are now paid casuals with Cricket NSW. International student and intern Ramkumar Murali said 'I joined the Sixers event team and gained valuable experience and also had a lot of fun during match days...Finally, I had the opportunity to learn what's happening behind the scenes and the efforts that are made to give the supporters a rich and fun-filled experience while making the game a success.'

Project deliverables

Cricket day events were held at the University of Wollongong, University of NSW, Macquarie University, University of Newcastle and Manly. A total of three hundred and twenty one participants registered to play the games. Of these, 75% were international students. There were forty seven matches of cricket. The feedback from the days was very positive. 100% enjoyed the day and 98% met new people and made friends. All students indicated they wanted to be involved in cricket either playing, watching or becoming a fan. Finally, 100% said they would participate in a Sixers Smash event again.

Challenges and recommendations

One of the challenges was working with some of the universities regarding ground hire and a suitable time to play.

Further information

The intention this season is to offer a more social style of cricket which incorporates more women and other international students new to the game of cricket.