New Ara XI Shield announced in Metro Cricket partnership

The Christchurch Metro Cricket Association (CMCA) launches the new First XI shield this Monday [24 September] and Ara Institute of Canterbury is delighted to be the named partner of the secondary school tournament.

The Ara Shield is just one part of a comprehensive partnership agreement that aims to build capability through the Christchurch cricket network, share knowledge and facilities, and increase community access to tertiary educational opportunities.

Christchurch Metro Cricket Association were on campus yesterday playing a game of backyard cricket with Ara students.

“We see the benefits as three-way,” Mike Harvey, General Manager of Christchurch Metro Cricket, explains. “For Christchurch Metro Cricket, it provides us with the opportunity to support our up and coming cricketers with their study choices and it will provide the opportunity to improve the capability of our volunteers through using the expertise available at Ara.

“For current Ara students, the partnership will provide an outlet for men and women to take part in local cricket activities, many of whom may be from out of town or overseas, and don’t know how the local systems work. And for Ara, the benefit will be that the organisation will be able to connect with youth and adults who are involved in cricket.”

Ara Engagement manager Emma West agrees. “Ara is delighted to support community sport and young players with scholarships and resources. We look forward to sharing our expertise and facilities with CMCA to help upskill the clubs, coaches and volunteers in business skills, communication and cultural capability as well.”

Ara will provide $10,000 of scholarships, per year for two years, for the development of CMCA players who are not eligible for first year free fees, along with pastoral care and student support services.

Ara will also make the Te Hoe Introduction to Māori language and culture programme available for club representatives and club administrators.

Facilities such as teaching spaces, the Whareora gym, lecture theatres and the Woolston campus playing field will be available for CMCA events. Ara will offer customised professional development opportunities for CMCA coaches and administrators though Ara’s Department of Business such as how to run a meeting, managing finances and handling conflict on the sidelines.

The CMCA’s Ethnic Cricket competition, which runs for four weekends between 25 November and 16 December will also be renamed, as the Ara All Nations Cricket Festival, under the agreement.

Prior to the launch on 24 September, CMCA junior coaches, who coach the first 11 team of secondary schools, will go through their pre-season training session in the Whareora, followed by senior coaches after the launch.

The two-year agreement, which was signed in June 2018, provides new opportunities for CMCA and Ara to work together for the benefit of the sport’s players and managers.

CMCA ran a taster session at Ara on 19 September from 12 noon to 1pm to show students how to register to play.

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