Cricket Exchange Program

In June this year, Liam and I were lucky enough to go on a 5-week cricket exchange to Birmingham, England. After undergoing a selection process throughout Term 1, we were chosen to represent SPSC on its first exchange with King Edward’s School and were hence presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. A few weeks before departure, we were placed in two separate host families of the chosen cricketers at K.E.S., whom we met in person for the first time at Birmingham Airport. After a few days to recover from jetlag and adjusting to a new family, we began our cricketing and schooling experience. Most days followed a reasonably regular routine of lessons up until lunch, before having either a cricket training or a game in the afternoon. I was able to play 10 games across the exchange for both the school and my exchange partner’s club, though it could have been a few more if it wasn’t for the English weather. The schooling experience was all positive and quite different at times from what we are used to, with no laptops/iPads used in class and a large cafeteria where the whole school lined up with trays for lunch. It was also a chance to try new and different subjects like Spanish, Latin and Philosophy, which provided lots of learning opportunities for me. By the conclusion of the trip, I had made many friendships with the boys from KES as well as greatly improving my cricket skills.

The exchange was truly an incredible experience for me, and here are some of my highlights. The most obvious highlight for me was experiencing a new and unique environment both on and off the cricket field. Whilst challenging at first, adapting to the new school routines and slower, turning pitches was genuinely so much fun, and an experience that will benefit me for many years to come. Another highlight for me was exploring a foreign city and country. This not only gave me a better perspective on the lives of others, but by doing it alone I also became a more independent and mature young adult. We were also lucky enough to visit Birmingham city centre, watch the Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston Stadium and even visit Lord’s in London. At Lord’s, we got to walk on the ground at the session break, a great experience that I will remember for a long time. I must also mention my sincere gratitude for the welcome that we received from our host families, King Edward’s School, and the boys on the cricket team, all of whom greatly helped us throughout our journey. To any younger aspiring cricketers at SPSC, I couldn’t recommend this experience more highly, and I hope you are brave enough to take the risk before you regret it. Finally, thank you to Mr Borgas and all at SPSC who helped to make this possible, and I look forward to us hosting Ali and Kamraan from King Edward’s School next year.

Caleb Scott
Year 9

Caleb Scott (Year 9) and I recently had the opportunity to go over to Birmingham for part of the English summer for a month long cricket exchange program co-ordinated by SPSC and King Edward School.  First and foremost, the exchange was focused on cricket (obviously) where we had the opportunity to play two to three times a week in a Year 9 KES team, and with individual opportunities for me to play with the First X1 side and Caleb to play club cricket beyond the school gates.  Beyond this, the program saw Caleb and I stay with great and welcoming host families in their homes to experience first hand the British school system and culture, including the full range of academic lessons and wide co-curricula activities, including indoor hockey and swimming.

My personal highlights included playing with KES’ 1st XI, making new friendships with our host boys, Kamraan and Ali, and their friends, and unexpectedly walking on the hallowed turf of Lords during a day trip to London with Caleb.

When the chance comes to apply for the KES cricket exchange in 2025, all I can say is do not hesitate to jump right in. The program is such a great experience to travel and see how the English school system is run, enjoy British cultural experiences, widen your horizons and learn all about the way KES boys play and are coached in their cricket.

The next chapter will come for us early next year when Kamraan and Ali do the same and come and experience everything we, SPSC and Australian cricket have to offer them.

Liam Hindmarch-Meredith
Year 9