The $10k Cricket NSW Foundation grant supports young cricketers from regional NSW who have relocated to Sydney to ply their trade in NSW Premier Cricket whilst remaining enrolled in tertiary education. Recipients may also aspire to rising up through the ranks to play for NSW one day.

The criteria for grant recipients are:

• Male and female cricketers who have been involved in the NSW Pathway system.
• Under 23 years of age (as of July 1, 2023).
• Living in regional NSW or recently moved to Sydney within the last two years (from more than 75 kms from Sydney Olympic Park).
• Committed and enrolled in ongoing tertiary education.

Gillard, who hails from Newcastle, is one of the states brightest pathways products, having captained the NSW Country team at the 2022 U19 National Championships. 

A recent first-grade debut for Gordon District Cricket Club in the NSW Premier Cricket competition makes the Bachelor of Civil Engineering undergraduate one to keep an eye on in the future. 

“It is an honour to be recognised as a cricketer from regional NSW worthy of this grant,” Gillard said. 

“The grant will make the transition from Newcastle to Sydney much smoother by reducing the anxiety around affording rent and other unavoidable living costs.

“The continuous support from Cricket NSW throughout the pathway system, and now the Cricket NSW Foundation emerging player relocation fund grant, has encouraged me to pursue my goal of reaching my cricketing potential.”

Davidson, a product of Tamworth in the state’s north, moved to Sydney last year to continue her representative cricketing journey, whilst being able to complete a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Nutrition Science at Australian Catholic University. 

The 19-year-old fast bowler has already developed an impressive cricketing resumé, including a wicket on debut for the NSW Women’s team, a call-up to the Sydney Thunder extended squad during Weber WBBL|07, and is a current tier 2 scholar of the Basil Sellers Emerging Player Program.

“Being awarded the grant is a massive help. All my training and education commitments are in Sydney, and the grant relieves a lot of financial stress having moved from a regional area,” Davidson, who plays Premier Cricket for Sydney University, said.  

“Any financial support would aid in keeping me in Sydney for a little longer to develop more as a cricketer, which I would be incredibly grateful for.

“It [the grant] definitely helps young kids from regional areas pursue their dreams of a cricket career and devote a bit more of their time to training as well as getting an education away from the field.”

For more information about the Cricket NSW Foundation and to donate please contact Jake.Balnave@cricketnsw.com.au