BWCC boss confident female coach numbers will rise

BARWON Women’s Cricket Competition (BWCC) boss Lisa Armstrong-Rowe is confident female coaching numbers will increase in future seasons once more clubs are established in the rapidly growing competition.

Women’s cricket in the Geelong and Surf Coast region has boomed since its inception season in 2019/20.

Originally starting with 17 teams, the BWCC is expected to hold 48 to 50 sides in season 2022/23, but female coaches were numbered at just three in 2021/22.

“This is something we identified early on,” Ms Armstrong-Rowe said.

“As we increase participation across the region, it would be fantastic if we also saw an increase in not just female coaches, but also female club members and committee members. It’s not just coaching we’re encouraging females to undertake.

“We’re also looking at the possibility of acquiring female umpires, which was suggested by more than a few dozen women in our players’ survey last year.

“It’s important to remember that this competition has only finished its third season, so we’re growing quickly and we’re growing fast, it will take a little bit more time to see female coaches start to come through the ranks.”

The BWCC received funding from Cricket Victoria and the State Government during its initial season assisting in training and educating women to take on coaching roles, but a large number of players joining clubs have little to no experience playing or coaching the sport, said Ms Armstrong-Rowe.

“For anyone who is interested in taking up cricket in the region, it’s important to remember you don’t have to have 20 or 30 years under your belt to be a female coach either,” Ms Armstrong-Rowe reiterated.

“Some women might have coached netball in the past, or footy, or hockey, the skills of coaching are transferrable.

“Learning the art of cricket is one thing, but learning the skills to coach is another, so any women with a coaching background are greatly encouraged to take on a coaching role in the BWCC.”

Ms Armstrong-Rowe said 10 new clubs were hoping to join the BWCC this season, with notable inclusions being Corio, Bell Park, Murgheboluc, Newtown & Chilwell, Little River and Bell Post Hill.

The BWCC season is expected to commence the week following the Geelong Cricket Association men’s competitions in early October.