Inspiring the next generation of cricketers
In partnership with Cricket Australia, our CoachMate Schools product powers the Big Bash Schools Challenge — a first-of-its-kind digital program bringing the colour and energy of the Big Bash League into Australian classrooms. Designed to get kids moving, connect families and make it easier for teachers to deliver simple sessions, it’s redefining how schools deliver cricket and how Cricket Australia inspires its next generation of fans and players.
Reimagining the Mascot Challenge
The Big Bash Schools Challenge builds on Cricket Australia’s existing schools program, the Mascot Challenge, transforming it into an interactive digital platform that fits seamlessly into today’s classrooms. Teachers can run flexible, activity-based sessions during brain breaks or PE lessons — no experience required. Every activity is fun, quick, and designed to develop fundamental movement and cricket skills while keeping students smiling.
Fandom, Fun and Mascots
Fifteen Big Bash team mascots star as animated avatars — turning every lesson into a celebration of cricket fandom. Through our gamified platform, students choose their favourite mascot, complete basic ‘skill’ challenges, earn XP and unlock rewards to customise their avatars. By blending literacy, numeracy and movement activities with the vibrant world of the Big Bash, learning becomes play.
Motivation through gamification
The Challenge keeps kids engaged long after class ends. Through daily tasks, skill badges, and leaderboards, students earn digital rewards that celebrate effort and improvement.
Schools compete for top spots nationally, by state, and by Big Bash team, with prizes including signed merchandise, Woolworths vouchers and Weber BBQs. It’s playful, inclusive competition that builds team spirit and celebrates achievement.
Data, Insight and Impact
Beyond the classroom, the Big Bash Schools Challenge gives Cricket Australia valuable insight into participation trends.
Through CoachMate’s analytics dashboard, engagement can be tracked by school, region and activity — offering a clear picture of how children are learning, moving and connecting to the game. These insights inform future programs, helping Cricket Australia grow cricket from the ground up.
From Classroom to Club Cricket
The Big Bash Schools Challenge bridges the gap between discovering the game and local participation.
Students and teachers bring cricket to life in class, while at home, families join in through a gamified experience that provide a pathway to kids’ cricket participation programs like Woolworths Cricket Blast.
Results so far
Launched nationally in 2025, the Big Bash Schools Challenge has already reached hundreds of classrooms and thousands of kids and families across Australia. Teachers report stronger student engagement in class, families are joining in from home, and more children are having great cricket experiences, while building key fundamental movement skills.
Ready to see your school program thrive?
Discover how CoachMate Schools can help your organisation turn classroom activities into club membership growth. Let’s build a stronger sporting future together.