Celebrating 10 Years of the Premier Cricket Program

Season 2024-25 marks the tenth season of the Premier Cricket Program.

What initially began in 2015/16 with the ACA supporting 87 male Premier clubs, before expanding to female Premier cricket in 2017/18, now features more than 370 ACA members and 100 clubs involved in more than 750 grants.

The Premier Cricket Program provides a platform for ACA members to remain in Premier Cricket through playing, coaching, and talent identification roles, and narrow the gap between Premier Cricket and First Class Cricket.

Over the 10 years the Premier Cricket Program has provided an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for ACA members, which plays a large role in the continued success of the program.

“The amount of knowledge that the players can give back to the younger generation and the players coming through in first and second grade is imperative to instil the love of the game of cricket into the players coming through,” says former Queensland player Steve Paulsen on his involvement with Western Suburbs District Cricket Club.

It is a sentiment echoed by others.

“I think it's imperative that we keep as many of those older players in and around the club and the Premier Cricket Program does that,” says former Queensland player Peter Drinnen. “It’s significant because that knowledge base is immense, so I certainly hope it continues because you can't buy experience they say, so experience and knowledge in and around this younger brigade going through has to close the gap I believe.”

Tess Cooper, former Queensland player, adds that the program provides a strong connection between First Class and Premier Cricket.

“Obviously, all the girls that have played first-class cricket, this is where they started, so it’s really important to keep that going,” she says.

Former Queensland player, Kasee Marxen, says she’s been able to utilise her knowledge and experience to help guide younger girls and help them become not just better players, but better people.

“I love coaching the young girls, she says. “It's been really good for them. They like to look at me as an older figure that has played the game.”

And with my experience and knowledge, I can help guide them, show them and become better people, not only people, but also players.”

Ten years into the ACA’s Premier Cricket Program, it’s easy to see that it is a success. With the financial investment from the players, and the investment of time from our members, it will continue to positively impact on not just Premier Cricket, but the entire Australian game more broadly.