Young Queensland regional talent acknowledged through the 2020 Jodie Fields Young Cricketer Development Scholarship

Two of Queensland’s bright young female cricketers have been acknowledged through the Jodie Fields Young Cricketer Development Scholarship.

Emerald Brothers Cricket Club’s Bonnie Berry and Bundaberg Wave’s Lucy Hamilton today each received scholarships valued at $3,000 to support their personal and educational development. Former Australian Captain Jodie Fields, who started the scholarship six years ago to support young regional Queensland players, was on hand at the Bupa National Cricket Centre, in Brisbane, to present the scholarships.

Both Berry and Hamilton are part of the Queensland Under 15 squad heading to Canberra tomorrow (Tuesday) for the National Championships. Berry, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, also played for the Mackay Hurricanes, securing a spot in the Central Queensland and Mackay-Whitsunday squad for Queensland Cricket’s 2019-20 Youth Pathways Academy. Waves cricket club junior Hamilton, a left-arm pace bowler, captained Queensland’s under 12 side to victory at the School Sports National Titles in 2018. She is also part of Queensland Cricket’s Talent Pathways program.  Ms Fields said: “Both girls have shown great potential, a positive attitude, and have a great opportunity within cricket to achieve many things if they put their mind to it, no matter if that’s on or off the cricket field.”

The JFYCD Scholarship has given young female cricketers the opportunity to develop their playing careers and further their education. Each year the Scholarship provides at least one recipient with $2,500, as well as $500 worth of playing equipment. For the first time, two scholarships were provided in one year, thanks to support by The University of Queensland Business School and Brisbane-based specialty food and beverage manufacturer, Flavour Creations, along with Kookaburra.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this support to be able to keep the scholarship going and to encourage more young girls on their journey,” Ms Fields said. “Having grown up in Toowoomba and travelled extensively throughout Queensland during my cricket career, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing regional and rural communities. These include equitable access to quality health and education opportunities, particularly for young women and girls.”

Previous recipients of the JFYCD Scholarship include: