Tara Murray
When Sunshine United new recruit Qaiser Qadeer said he had some friends who wanted to come down to the club and have a hit, the club was only expecting one or two.
Instead, more than half a dozen new players joined up, allowing for new relationships to be forged and a chance to embrace inclusiveness and different cultures.
United president Mark Dalrymple said the group, all of Pakistani decent, had provided a massive boost on and off the field.
“We lost a few players after last season and recruited a couple of guys, including Qaiser,” he said.
“He came along and said he liked the place and said that he had some friends who might want a hit.
“They just come along. Down the track we’ll look to have a Pakistani cuisine night and we’re looking to continue to build our culture.”
Dalrymple said the new players were playing in the third and fourth XI teams this season, and their addition meant the club wasn’t struggling for numbers each week to fill sides.
Both lower sides are playing Sundays, opening the door for more people to play cricket with the club fielding sides on both days of the weekend.
Qadeer said the group felt welcome to enjoy cricket and participate as members in the club’s successful, warm and inclusive surroundings.
Dalrymple said the club was embracing its local and multicultural community, offering safe and friendly relationships as well as great facilities to nurture and enhance inclusiveness through cricket.
“You’ll often see players hitting at grounds in Brimbank,” he said.
“It gives them purpose coming to a club and a bit more competition. Hopefully they’ll tell their mates.”
