Sport Waikato's women and girls initiative This is ME was recently celebrated at the Northern Districts Cricket Association Awards evening. CEO Matthew Cooper accepted the top award for Community Engagement Strategy on behalf of the This is ME team.

The brainchild of our GM Sport & Community Amy Marfell, and in only its second year, a combination of the junior ‘Sista Smash’ followed by the Senior ‘Backyard Smash’, saw a combination of nearly 300 females experience cricket through a fun filled opportunity with food trucks, fancy dress and even the Backyard Smash being played under lights.

Focused on opening the game and Seddon Park as a venue to females of all ages across the Waikato, This is ME has reduced barriers, supported cricket to be a game for all and created a new offering with a sole focus to engage women and girls through positive, open and welcoming experiences with the game.

It's fantastic to see how organisations such as Northern Districts Cricket are open to hearing new ideas, backed by insights and data, to change the way they deliver to participant needs, and work in partnership with us to bring these opportunities to life.

You can see photos from the Sista Smash & Backyard Smash events here: https://bit.ly/3v1lejO