- Academy will identify, develop and support Western Australian male and female wicketkeepers to progress from pathways to professional ranks
- Program acknowledges the late Rod Marsh, one of the State’s and Australia’s finest wicketkeepers
- $100,000 provided to administer the academy over three years
The Cook Government today announced the launch of the Rod Marsh Wicketkeeper Pathway Specialist Coaching and Support Program.
The academy, named in honour of the late Rod Marsh, a distinguished Western Australian sportsperson who made significant contributions to cricket for Australia, seeks to recognise and continue his legacy.
On the field, Marsh became an icon of the game through 257 First Class matches and 140 appearances for State and country over a 16-year career.
Coordinated through the existing WA Cricket Pathway, the academy will work in tandem with existing high-performance programs and is designed to identify, develop, and provide support to aspiring male and female wicketkeepers from WA.
In addition to player development, the academy strives to enhance the quality and quantity of wicketkeeping coaches within junior cricket clubs and WA Cricket pathways programs.
Ten players have been selected in the first intake, with each to receive up to 36 one-on-one specialist sessions.
The Cook Government has committed three years of funding to support the academy, totalling $100,000.
Additionally, WA Cricket will receive $100,000 through the Industry Investment Program and $90,000 through the Regional Servicing Grant in 202324, which is administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Cricket across the State has also benefitted from the Cook Government’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund and Club Night Light Program, which has distributed $28.3 million to 106 projects over the past five years.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“I’m thrilled to announce the new Rod Marsh Wicketkeeping Academy, which will help our cricketing stars of the future progress from grassroots pathways to the professional cricket arena.
“The academy is a testament to Rod Marsh’s extraordinary contribution to cricket as a player, coach and administrator and a testament to Western Australia’s commitment to nurturing cricket talent and raising the standards of the sport within the State.
“The Cook Government is proud to partner with WA Cricket through this new academy which will ensure targeted coaching and development opportunities are afforded to those pursuing this skill.”
