Cricket Australia launches innovative Sports Development Program
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has today helped launch a ground-breaking partnership with Sport Education and Development Australia (SEDA) to provide students in the Northern Territory with an alternative pathway to completing their secondary education.
The innovative Cricket Australia Sports Development Program represents the first partnership of its kind between SEDA and a major Australian sporting organisation and will offer students an alternative type of Year 11 and 12 education. The Program allows students to combine their passion for Cricket with formal education and training. Hands-on experience working within the Sport and Recreation industry also prepares students for further study or employment.
In a move demonstrating commitment to the new Program, CA also announced that players Michael Hussey and Ellyse Perry will be the Cricket Australia Sports Development Program ambassadors.
Speaking at the launch today, Mr Sutherland said:
"Cricket Australia is committed to cricket development at all levels across Australia and we?re proud that our partnership with SEDA will provide students with a viable, practical alternative to traditional education and give them the skills to potentially pursue a career in cricket."
"Education is critical to building the skills of those who might ultimately help us develop the game of cricket. Today?s announcement is the first of many partnerships that CA will announce with SEDA over the coming weeks."
SEDA Director Robert Flower said:
"We believe that the Cricket Australia Sports Development Program is the most innovative and exciting development in education that has ever been seen in Australia. Never before has it been possible to complete your secondary education while working side by side with one of Australia?s leading sporting organisations."
SEDA Director Brad Green said:
"The Cricket Australia Sports Development Program utilises different learning styles in its approach to education and training for Year 11 and 12 students. The applied curriculum is linked to the work of Cricket Australia providing a practical hands-on learning experience within the sport and recreation industry".
Connection is how Mr Green, describes the student experience. "Students connect with learning through their love of sport. They develop strong connections with the Sport and Recreation industry, their community, their teacher, their peers and ultimately their education".
ABOUT SEDA
Since 2006 SEDA has been providing Year 11 and 12 students with an alternative pathway to completing their secondary education. The SEDA philosophy is to engage students in education and training via their passion for sport and recreation. Currently there are over 1200 students enrolled in SEDA programs linked to the sports of AFL, cricket, netball, football, basketball, tennis, surfing and aquatics. In 2013 SEDA will begin offering its unique education experience to students in the Northern Territory with the introduction of three programs - AFL, cricket and football.
