In a newly formed program by Cricket Tasmania, the Female Learning Lab invited Tasmanian cricketers, coaches, and future leaders of the game to NINJA Stadium to finetune their understanding of the game.
Working alongside Hurricanes players Zoe Cooke and Hayley Silver-Holmes, alongside Australian Women’s Assistant Coach Dan Marsh, attendees had exclusive access to some of the best minds in Tasmanian cricket.
Throughout the match against the Melbourne Renegades, moments in the game, scenarios, and decisions from the players on the field were discussed and dissected as they were able to learn from professionals in real time.
Head of Coach Development at Cricket Tasmania, Alistair Addison discussed how happy he was to have this program implemented for the first time.
"We had an engaged group of 20 female coaches, or potential coaches from all across the state, and the learning they were able to take from Dan, Hayley and Zoe was invaluable, but I think what was most pleasing was how much the participants learnt from each other.
“This was the whole purpose of this learning lab - getting a broad range of female cricketers in the room and creating a space where they can share knowledge to be able to help with their development, and for them to be able to take their learnings back to benefit their own environments,” said Addison.
Sarah Gillman, who works for Womensport and Recreation Tasmania, was pleased to see an event like this take place.
"Feedback to me from those attending was really positive - especially about having the chance to workshop a live event with a coach like Dan Marsh and Hurricanes players."
"Congratulations to Cricket Tasmania for bringing together so many females from around the state, of differing ages and at various points in their coaching and playing journeys.”
"Research shows that running female-only events like this helps women and girls find their own voices, boosts their confidence and creates a strong sense of belonging - all of which benefit sport in the long run,” said Gillman.
The Female Learning Lab will be looking to return in the future, and more information on future events can be found on Cricket Tasmania’s website or by contacting Alistair Addison.