It started because I missed the connection of cricket.

I just wanted a one-off game over summer. A chance to switch off, spend some time in the middle, walk in with the bowler and catch up with mates on a patch of grass instead of sporadically in a group chat.

The idea was very simple: Have a hit, chase a few balls and enjoy a cold one afterwards.

Turns out I wasn’t the only one missing it. As soon as I floated the idea, people wanted in. From my time running sporting clubs and organising big events, I’ve learnt that when people are excited to be part of something, it’s worth seeing where it can go.

I had the instant backing of close mates Charlie, Cameron, Jake and Jesse. Which provided a little push toward what is now unstoppable momentum. These guys and their businesses really turned it into something real.

I knew Menslink well and I love the work they do for young blokes and their families across Canberra. So here we were; a group of mates making time for each other, putting work and the stresses of life aside for a day. Using that time and effort to support Menslink felt like a natural fit.

In our first year, we asked everyone for a small donation and nobody hesitated. Before long, we had corporate sponsors, uniforms, awards, prizes and more people putting their hands up to help than I could have ever imagined.

That support has grown the Canberra Cricket Classic into what it is today, but the heart of it hasn’t changed. It’s a grassroots day of cricket and mateship, put together by people who want to be there. We want to raise as much as we can for Menslink, whose work reaches far beyond the young bloke sitting down for a chat.

For me, that’s what playing our part means. Getting our mates together, doing something we love and helping Menslink be there for someone else’s son, brother or mate.

Trent Pollard
Founder and Organiser
Canberra Cricket Classic