Because cricket season is just around the corner.

While cricket has long been Australia's favourite sport, this season, the Highlands District Cricket Association(HDCA) will aim to be COVID safe while offering our local participants some much needed relief from the stressors of 2020.

Highlands District Cricket Association chair, and former International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel Umpire, Simon Taufel believes that connection is now more important than ever in the lives of our community members and is precisely what cricket stands for.

"Cricket offers those involved the ability to create strong and enduring life skills," Mr Taufel said.

"The game teaches us how to make long lasting friendships, thrive in a team environment, develop self-esteem, build confidence and cultivate a resilience mindset. Everything we're all seeking right now."

In the Highlands, there is a rich cricket cultural heritage.

Having former Australian national representatives Sir Donald Bradman, Bill O'Reilly and Tina MacPherson substantially linked to the area.

The tradition has continued with younger players - Lauren Cheatle, Dom O'Shannessy, Hayden Kerr, Charlie Dummer and Jack Preddy, just to name a few who've represented at higher levels.

"We're lucky to have such hard-working volunteers committed to providing everyone the opportunity to play, umpire, coach or support cricket," Mr Taufel said.

The local game is nothing without our tremendous team who love the sport and want to see as many people as possible enjoy all it has to offer."

The HDCA is encouraging everyone, from the young to the young at heart, to contact their local cricket club or the umpire's association and get involved in cricket this season.

Club contacts can be found via the HDCA website page:

www.highlandsdca.nsw.cricket.com.au/common/pages/public/iv/clubs.

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