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Matt pulls up stumps to head for Samoa
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Southern Cross University student Matt Walter is packing his bags and leaving his hometown of Woodburn for a 12-month internship with the International Cricket Council in Samoa, working directly with the Samoan International Cricket Association.
The Bachelor of Sport Tourism Management student beat applicants from all over Australia to win the voluntary placement, which is run through the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD) – an AusAid initiative which aims to strengthen links between Australia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and make a positive contribution to development.
Matt, who will be required to complete five assignments as part of his internship, said he felt prepared for the challenge.
“I’ll be working on the administration side of things as well as helping to organise events like the Prime Minister’s Eleven which involves hosting international teams from all over the Asia Pacific region,” said Matt.
“For my assignments I’ll be looking at topics such as how women can be attracted to the game at all levels, and how money can be raised through sponsorship for the Samoan International Cricket Association.
“I’ve worked on sponsorship for events like the Darrell Chapman Fun Run, so I’ve learned how to approach companies with well organised proposals, and the units of study I have done at SCU are directly relevant, so although I’m a bit nervous, I’m also really looking forward to getting into it.”
A lifelong fan of the game, Matt has played in local teams around the Lismore area since he was 13, progressing to coaching five to eight-year-olds at Evans Head from the age of 16.
In preparation for his trip, Matt recently spent a week in Canberra, where he met embassy officials and learned about the culture of Samoa.
“I’ve heard that Samoa is a very spiritual country, and the people are very welcoming and friendly,” said Matt.
“I’ve never really travelled overseas so I’m excited to see what it’s like. I’m really looking forward to getting there and seeing what I can offer.”
Photo: Matt Walter (high resolution image available on request)
The Bachelor of Sport Tourism Management student beat applicants from all over Australia to win the voluntary placement, which is run through the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD) – an AusAid initiative which aims to strengthen links between Australia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region and make a positive contribution to development.
Matt, who will be required to complete five assignments as part of his internship, said he felt prepared for the challenge.
“I’ll be working on the administration side of things as well as helping to organise events like the Prime Minister’s Eleven which involves hosting international teams from all over the Asia Pacific region,” said Matt.
“For my assignments I’ll be looking at topics such as how women can be attracted to the game at all levels, and how money can be raised through sponsorship for the Samoan International Cricket Association.
“I’ve worked on sponsorship for events like the Darrell Chapman Fun Run, so I’ve learned how to approach companies with well organised proposals, and the units of study I have done at SCU are directly relevant, so although I’m a bit nervous, I’m also really looking forward to getting into it.”
A lifelong fan of the game, Matt has played in local teams around the Lismore area since he was 13, progressing to coaching five to eight-year-olds at Evans Head from the age of 16.
In preparation for his trip, Matt recently spent a week in Canberra, where he met embassy officials and learned about the culture of Samoa.
“I’ve heard that Samoa is a very spiritual country, and the people are very welcoming and friendly,” said Matt.
“I’ve never really travelled overseas so I’m excited to see what it’s like. I’m really looking forward to getting there and seeing what I can offer.”
Photo: Matt Walter (high resolution image available on request)