She Runs The Game – Liana / Aria Friedman

Aria (11yrs):

We have always played cricket since we were little because my dad encouraged us. I played backyard cricket with my brothers, and when I was eight dad signed me up to Master Blasters. I enjoyed it and there were three other girls, but there were mainly boys. I didn’t mind that. The following season, we found out there was a girls’ team, so I joined. This is where I play cricket. This was my third season in a girls-only team. I really like playing with other girls around my age and it’s fun playing sport. It’s fun to meet new girls who join and learn about cricket. I have made lots of new friends through cricket and I think it’s a really nice community to be a part of. I have learnt so many skills, including bowling, batting, keeping and fielding. I have become a better team player and have learnt patience and perseverance when there are challenges. We always support each other, and I feel confident when I go out there. We get constructive feedback from our teammates and coach. I feel lucky to have such a special team.

Liana:

I have two sons and one daughter. They all love sport and it’s a big part of our family life. Growing up, I did not play team sports. I am really pleased that my kids are so involved in Maccabi sports. They have made connections with kids from different year levels, schools and backgrounds.

Both my husband and I have been supportive of Aria participating in the sports she wants to play – cricket, Australian Rules football and basketball. Some people are surprised that girls like to play these sports. The girls are athletic, strong, competitive, skilful and determined. It is a paradigm shift from my childhood. I am so proud of Aria.

I love seeing the girls support each other in their victories and defeats. They are a cohesive and inclusive team. They have so much fun together at training and at matches. It’s so special watching them play together.

I became involved in the MAJCC five years ago when I joined the Yearbook committee. It is my way of giving back to the Club that gives so much to my children. I now edit the MAJCC yearbook with my husband. He also ran the MAJCC Junior and Master Blasters Program for the past four years. I have learnt a lot about cricket over the journey!

Girls can get so much out of team sports. They learn to believe in themselves, value practice and hard work, listen to coaching and feedback, appreciate their physical abilities and participate in a supportive team. It’s such a positive space.

Gaining sporting skills is great – Aria plays with several of her MAJCC teammates in the successful girls’ cricket team at her school. But the most amazing thing that the girls obtain are life skills.

This season, the girls’ cricket team was so lucky to be coached by Donna Gouldthorp. She is an excellent coach and has so much to teach the girls. Donna is a brilliant role model as a successful female cricketer.

I loved watching Aria and her teammate fill in for a couple of boys’ teams this season. The girls contributed to the teams’ success, and they fit right in. I feel like the sporting world is evolving.