ANZ Cricket Grants is assisting young Bay of Plenty cricketers in helping pay for club fees as families continue to feel the cost of living pinch.

"This season a subsidy fund of $100,000 is being made available to help pay cricket club fees for young kids from families who could benefit from some extra support," says an ANZ spokesperson.

"Successful applicants will receive up to $80 towards their fees - which will be provided in the form of a voucher to redeem when registering with New Zealand Cricket. 

"Last year, ANZ Cricket Grants helped 1327 kids, across 175 clubs throughout the country, get to the crease. With household budgets continuing to be under pressure, assistance with sport costs could once again make all the difference for a new generation of cricketers who may have otherwise missed out."

ANZ Head of Sponsorship Sarah Rogan says financial concerns can mean the difference between kids playing sport or not, and extra support with fees can have a wide-ranging impact.  

“From honing coordination skills to meeting like-minded friends, sport is such an important part of a child’s wellbeing,” Ms Rogan says. “We want as many Kiwi kids as possible to enjoy all the mental and physical benefits that come with being out on the sports field.” 

“We received feedback from cricket clubs that this type of support is vital for families in their communities who are doing it even tougher than last year.”

New Zealand Cricket GM of Community Cricket Kent Stead says the initiative from ANZ is extremely helpful and hopes families who might have thought it not possible for their children to play this season will reconsider thanks to this initiative.

“We’re delighted to have the support of ANZ again this year, with the ANZ Cricket Grants” Mr Stead says. “The subsidy fund will help hundreds of children onto the cricket field this summer, and for many, it could be the boost they need to reach their future sporting potential.” 

Families who may have dismissed the idea of their kids playing this summer are invited to apply at www.anzcricketworld.co.nz between August 14 to September 22, 2023.

A maximum of two children per family can benefit from the subsidy. ANZ has been a sponsor of New Zealand Cricket for 23 years, injecting more than $1.76 million into cricket in the community during that time.