Armstrong and Harris Primed To Grow Women’s Game

The two new appointments are a direct result of funding obtained through the ‘Play Our Way’ Program, a $200m Federal Government initiative aimed at removing the barriers to women and girls playing sport, reducing discrimination and promoting equality. 

NT Cricket was notified in October 2024 that it was one of the 120 successful applicants (from over 600 applications made from around Australia) and has since begun planning the delivery of programs and initiatives that align with increasing cricket participation and retention among our diverse female population.

The ‘Play Our Way’ Program also aligns with Cricket Australia's ‘Women & Girls Action Plan’ (2024-2034), aimed at boosting female participation, engagement and representation.

As part of NTC’s successful ‘Play Our Way’ application, the newly created ‘Women and Girl Growth Leads’ will be responsible for delivering key initiatives including, but not limited to:

• "Girls Only" Woolworths Cricket Blast Programs across the Top End and Central Australia, making cricket accessible and enjoyable to girls aged 5-12.
• "Girls Only" Woolworths Brekky Blast Pilot Program in both regions, combining cricket with healthy eating and active lifestyles in lower socioeconomic areas.
• “Girls Only” Social Cricket formats aimed at transitioning players between Cricket Blast and Junior Cricket formats.
• "Girls Only" Colour Blast Come and Try Days, blending cricket skills with fun, water-based activities and a Colour Run during school holidays.
• "Girls Only" cricket clinics, gala days, and junior competitions including within NT Cricket's Remote Cricket Carnivals.
• Women and Girls Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering initiatives that will help ensure more women and girls play significant roles within community sports.

Meet Our New Growth Leads:

Hannah Armstrong

Hannah Armstrong brings a wealth of experience from her fifteen years in cricket, including representing South Australia in pathway competitions before relocating to Darwin where she plays for Southern Districts. Her recent accolade as the 2024 Women’s Cricketer of the Year in Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition highlights her skill and dedication within the sport. Hannah is committed to using her expertise to inspire and mentor the next generation of female cricketers in the NT.

Megan Harris

Megan Harris is a recent graduate in Sports Management from Griffith University and relocates from Brisbane to Darwin with a passion for creating inclusive and supportive sports environments. Megan’s experience spans various organisations and roles, including with Little Athletics, Playbook Coach and Uni Sport, making her an ideal advocate for breaking down barriers for more women and girls to love and play the game.

Looking Ahead

For the first time ever, NT Cricket has entered an NT Team in the Cricket Australia U16 Female National Championships – and the successful ‘Play Our Way’ application allows NT Cricket to continue positively impacting women and girl’s cricket across the Territory.

We are excited about the future and the role these programs will play in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant cricket community.

Details on NT Cricket’s successful grant application and the Federal Government’s announcement can be found below.

Women & Girls Cricket Get 'Play Our Way' Boost

Over $55 million in grants offered to organisations to support women and girls to “Play Our Way”