The South Australian Cricket Association recently launched its first-ever youth girls' leadership program, the Emerging Leaders initiative, and it proved to be a resounding success. This innovative program, designed to empower the next generation of leaders, played a pivotal role in shaping young women into trailblazers who will undoubtedly make an impact in the cricket world and life beyond.
The Emerging Leaders program was a series of immersive leadership workshops tailored specifically for young women who aspire to create positive change and make a difference in their communities. Throughout the program, participants had the opportunity to explore advanced leadership themes such as relationships, identity, influence, effective and empathetic communication and emotional intelligence. Each workshop was carefully crafted to provide both the knowledge and the practical tools necessary to develop these crucial skills and see them play out in life.
One highlight of the program was The Great Debate, where participants were given a platform to voice their opinions and engage in critical discussions. This session allowed the young women to showcase their abilities to argue persuasively, think on their feet, and collaborate with others. The debate not only emphasised the importance of communication but also highlighted the power of diverse perspectives and healthy dialogue - skills that are essential in leadership roles.
Another key element of the program was the Leaders Panel featuring three inspiring South Australian sporting leaders: Jemma Barsby (Captain, SA Cricket Team), Hannah Petty (Captain, Adelaide Thunderbirds), and Janelle Cuthbertson (Captain, Port Adelaide Football Club). These remarkable athletes shared their personal journeys, insights into leadership, and advice on overcoming challenges. Hearing firsthand from these women was a powerful experience for the participants. The panel highlighted the importance of resilience and empowerment in the pursuit of leadership roles.
The program was built on a foundation of professional expertise, with the content being meticulously created by psychologist Mindy Simpson from iThrive Consulting. Mindy, a former performance psychologist for WA Cricket, brought a wealth of experience to the program. Her work with athletes and leaders in both business and sport allowed her to tailor the sessions to meet the unique needs of the participants.
By focusing on leadership skills that extend beyond cricket, the program provided participants with valuable tools for success in all areas of their lives. Whether in sports, business, or other endeavours, the skills learned through the program will undoubtedly serve these young women well as they navigate their futures.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony at Karen Rolton Oval, where participants were celebrated with their families. Special guests, Charlie Hodgson (Chief Executive, SACA) and Lizzie Birmingham (Chief of Staff, SACA) shared encouraging aspects on their own leadership stories and encouraged the young women to continue with resilience in their leadership journeys.
Details regarding the 2025/26 Emerging Leaders program will be released in the second half of 2025.