Play Well stories
Every day, millions of Australians are making a positive contribution to sport in Australia, whether it’s putting out the cones, helping young players find their confidence, making a new team-mate feel welcome, or simply playing with an infectious level of joy each week.
We’re sharing the stories about a few of these legends who we have featured in Play Well promotions this year.
Check out the Play Well Partner Activation Toolkit and share the message that everyone has a place in sport with your networks.
Meet Kailyn, a netball umpire from New South Wales.
Kailyn just loves netball! She has played since she was 5 or 6 years old and couldn’t get enough of the sport, so she started umpiring from 12 years of age as well.
She now mentors other umpires and says it’s the role she loves most.
“I help other young players to get involved in umpiring. It makes you a better player on the court as well. I encourage them and support them, so they keep improving, enjoy what they are doing and stay involved.”
So why does she commit so much time to the sport?
“Netball is a great way to stay fit and the social side is really important too. Being a team sport, I’ve met so many people through both playing and umpiring.”
“I will keep playing, umpiring and mentoring as long as I can.”
Meet Marcus, a cricket volunteer from the Northern Territory.
After calling stumps on his playing days, Marcus wanted to stay involved in cricket, so he became an official and currently umpires in the Katherine Districts Cricket Competition.
This proud Indigenous man has had a big impact in cricket and the broader NT community for more than 15 years, leading successful participation events including the Imparja Cup and Community Cricket Carnivals in remote regions in the Northern Territory.
Recognising his role in championing safe, fair and enjoyable cricket for all, Cricket Australia named Marcus Community Match Official of the Year in 2021.
For Jordy and her team, football is more than just a game. It’s about being part of something bigger.
“Whether you’re juggling parenting, work, study or you’re new to the sport, there is a place for you,” she says. “You’ll often see kids in the changerooms dancing to the pre-game songs or sitting with their parents while we get ready. Family and friends are always welcome on the sideline too. That kind of support and flexibility isn’t something you find everywhere.”
After moving cities, Jordy quickly found her footing thanks to the team’s inclusive and welcoming culture.
“There’s a real sense of belonging. On the field we play hard and back each other up, but off the field it’s just as important. People stay for a chat after training, help out when someone’s struggling, or just keep turning up for each other.”
The match day vibe is a mix of focus and fun. Jordy says the changeroom music, with families and kids joining in, helps bring the team together. Coaches and committee members help foster that positive energy, building trust and respect that extends beyond the team and into the wider community.
“We’re a tight-knit group. Everyone brings something different, and that makes us better, not just as players, but as people. You don’t have to be the best or fittest. Just show up, and you’ll find your place.”
This team is about more than just football. It is about connection, community and creating space for everyone, on and off the pitch.
Meet Adam Hurwood, a junior cricket coach at Holland Park who’s passing on everything he learned from the game that shaped him.
Adam still remembers the friendships he made as a young cricketer. Now, through coaching and volunteering, he’s creating the same opportunity for the next generation.
“I would love for the kids I coach to create some great lasting friendships, as I did when I was a young cricketer,” he says. “That’s what stays with you.”
Adam has seen time and again how sport helps kids connect, form friendships, and feel part of something.
“Kids don’t care about backgrounds,” he says. “When they share a love of a sport, they bond pretty quickly.”
Adam coaches a mixed Under 12s team, including one of his own kids, and places huge importance on inclusion and mutual respect. He rotates batting partnerships so everyone gets a chance to connect and learn from each other.
“I find a good batting partnership can really build friendships and respect,” he says. “It’s the same with leadership. Everyone gets a turn at being captain. It’s not just the louder personalities. A quiet captain can be a great leader and it gives them a chance to be seen and to grow in confidence.”
With players from all backgrounds and ability levels, Adam is intentional about building a supportive and united environment.
“Batting together, rotating positions and encouraging each other, especially when mistakes happen, all help us build a friendly sporting culture. Fun comes first but so does giving it your best.”
Beyond the game, Adam also serves as the club’s grants coordinator, working to secure funding for better pitches, improved training facilities and equipment that makes cricket more accessible to more kids.
“My parents and wife have always volunteered, so I’ve seen how much good it can do. Grants give us a chance to make real change, like replacing our synthetic pitches or setting up live streaming so extended families can share in the game.”
Adam may be coaching cricket, but what he’s really doing is handing down a lifelong love of sport and the friendships that come with it.