Friday, 15 June 2018: Woolworths is set to provide a fresh boost to the next generation of Australian cricketers after coming on board as the inaugural partner of a brand-new community level junior program, for the sport.

Woolworths Cricket Blast is set to launch later this year, with the new Cricket Australia run program designed for boys and girls to build skills through fun, game based activities as well as by playing modified games in a social setting. The Woolworths partnership with the sport will also see the supermarket supporting the entire junior cricket pathway.

More than 900,000 kids participate in entry level cricket skills development programs in Australia each year across school and club programs.

The cricket partnership is a further commitment by Woolworths to inspire the next generation of healthy, active kids and joins the supermarkets existing Fresh Food partnerships with Netball Australia, Surfing Australia and the AFL.

Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said; “Every summer junior cricket is a vital part of many Aussie communities, with thousands of families heading to their local oval each week as kids build vital skills by taking part in one of the country’s most popular participation sports.

“Eating fresh and healthy food is also essential to the success of any junior cricket player and we are thrilled that Woolworths Cricket Blast will help continue our focus on supporting the next generation of fresh food kids.”

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said;  “We are delighted to have Woolworths on board as a partner across the Australian junior cricket pathway and to have them providing support from grassroots to elite levels of the game.

“With their focus on fresh food and the community as Australia’s Fresh Food People, this is the perfect partnership to help inspire budding cricketers as they start their journey with the game.

“We are confident that the Woolworths team, together with cricket’s 4,000 clubs and thousands of volunteers, will bring this partnership to life in a positive way, making it easier and fun for more kids to eat well, be active and play cricket.”

Woolworths Cricket Blast will officially launch in July, with more information about the program and the rest of the junior cricket pathway available soon at playcricket.com.au