Staff from the South Australian Cricket Association have returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the APY (Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) Lands, delivering cricket clinics to some of the state’s most remote communities.
Sharing their love for the game, the SACA team worked closely with schools to tailor sessions to each community’s needs, introducing fundamental skills to children as young as five years old.
After flying into Uluru and loading up on supplies, staff travelled two hours south to Amata — a remote South Australian township with a population of just under 400 people.
It was here that the group visited their first school, Amata Anangu School, which was brimming with enthusiastic students and teachers eager to learn the game of cricket.
However, it was in the classroom, rather than on the cricket pitch, where staff first formed connections with students, supporting literacy, numeracy and art lessons across a range of age groups.
While many students had not encountered cricket before, their eagerness and ability to quickly pick up new skills was remarkable during the clinics. With sports such as football and softball already popular across the APY Lands, students were able to translate their existing hand-eye coordination and competitiveness, showing impressive ability with bat and ball in hand.
After an incredible first day in Amata, the two SACA groups went their separate ways across the Lands, delivering clinics in different communities.
Led by Community Engagement Lead Jo Connolly, one group visited Kenmore Park Anangu School and Fregon Anangu School, located closer to Amata. Meanwhile, another group travelled more than four hours along red dirt roads towards the Western Australian border to reach Pipalyatjara.
Snaking their way through the outback, the team encountered vast landscapes, rugged terrain and plenty of wildlife — including wild camels, snakes and dogs.
Over the following days, students embraced the sessions with enthusiasm, with many picking up a cricket bat for the first time. The clinics didn’t just focus on the technical side of the game, with students also learning the importance of teamwork, participation and building confidence through sport.
For SACA staff, the trip was equally meaningful.
Delivering cricket in the APY Lands highlighted the powerful role sport can play in bringing people together and creating positive experiences for young South Australians — no matter where they live.
Staff were also given the chance to sit in the classroom as students learnt local language, songs and stories, which proved a clear highlight of the trip for many.
Outside the classroom, staff explored local walking trails, met community members and visited Aboriginal art centres, where many purchased stunning pieces.
However, it was one of the final moments of the trip that proved unforgettable for all — visiting Uluru at sunset.
Community Engagement Lead Jo Connelly said the program had provided a valuable opportunity to connect with students and communities through cricket.
“Over the past two seasons, SACA has reconnected with Anangu Schools through Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC), to showcase cricket and the benefits of physical activity, teamwork, and leadership.
The engagement and enthusiasm to try a new sport from students is exciting and we are keen to see cricket continue to grow in community.
SACA would like to sincerely thank the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC) for their support and collaboration in making the visit possible.