Cricket brings UOW students closer to achieving dreams
Newly launched scholarship to support local students' academic and cricketing goals
The University of Wollongong (UOW), in partnership with the Sutherland District Cricket Club (SDCC), has launched a scholarship to support local students with their education while they pursue their cricketing goals.
Each year, an exceptional UOW student will benefit from the $2500 scholarship in the form of fee reduction from their total course fees.
Thomas Pinson, a first year Master of Professional Accounting student, is the recipient of this year’s inaugural scholarship.
He is a Sutherland Shire local, a passionate cricketer and an extraordinary student currently working at an accounting firm in Cronulla.
He said the partnership between UOW and SDCC will support many students in their educational journey while focusing on building their cricketing careers.
“I have been playing cricket for over 20 years and have had a close association with SDCC since 2012,” Thomas said.
“It’s a fantastic partnership and the scholarship will give me a little bit of breathing room to balance my studies and focus on what I am really passionate about.
“Students who need a hand to get to the university and spend a bit more time focusing on their cricket can take advantage of this opportunity.”
SDCC is one of Sydney’s leading cricket clubs in the Sydney Premier Cricket competition and has a rich history of developing players to achieve success at the highest level.
SDCC President Mathew Duff said the partnership between UOW and SDCC will enhance opportunities for students in the local community and help them fulfil their potential and be leaders within the Club and the broader community.
“We are delighted to enter into a partnership with UOW, one of the leading universities in Australia and one of the top 200 world ranked universities,” Mr Duff said.
“UOW plays a significant role in the education and development of young people from the Sutherland Shire, Illawarra and beyond.
“The partnership will provide opportunities for our players to concentrate on their university and cricket endeavours with the support of the UOW program.
“We are pleased to have Thomas Pinson as the inaugural recipient of the scholarship. Thomas is a leader in our Club and will be a great ambassador for the program.
“We look forward to expanding the program in future years to provide opportunities for other players from the Club.”
UOW Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Innovation, Enterprise and External Relations) Professor Alex Frino said the partnership aims to support local students who are passionate about their academic and career goals.
“We are thrilled to partner with SDCC and looking forward to continuing our support of students in their educational journey while they are focusing on building their cricketing career,” Professor Frino said.
“Thomas is an inspiration for many students and is on his way to becoming a successful leader and an outstanding professional.”
“SDCC is a leader in producing world-class players and we look forward to seeing more students from SDCC taking advantage of this scholarship.”
Photo: Thomas Pinson, recipient of the inaugural scholarship.