America josh
Community Josh
by Lili Stephenson (@WorldCricketGirl)
I first “met” America Josh through Facebook. I saw his posts about tips on coming to the States from Australia and how grateful people were that he was willing to share his experience with others. I reached out to him, hoping that he could somehow help me get to Australia.
He couldn’t.
That was ok, though. I figured if it were meant for me to relocate to Aus, I’d get there somehow. For now, I’d read and learn about the struggles of those who wanted to move to the States..
What struck me about Josh was his sincerity to help anyone with … well … anything. The people who he had helped buzzed that he was literally one of the nicest people on the planet.
Just from what I read, I knew that to be true. Josh was a quality bloke.
fast forward to November of 2023
As fate would have it, I was meeting with Jenny Thompson, sports journalist and female cricket advocate in NYC to talk about Her World Cricket Tour, a self-funded tour to capture the stories of female cricket around the globe. World Cricket Girl meets Her World Cricket Tour. I’m Lili, she’s Thommo…just like the great bowling duo.
“You’ve gotta meet America Josh whilst you’re here.”
“Who is that?”
“He helps Aussies who are wanting to move to the States. He’s from Adelaide, you live in Adelaide, I actually met him in person in Adelaide…”
I got lost in thought for a minute. Josh was super busy and with an upcoming addition to the family due any minute, it could not work. I came back to the texting convo.
“He’s a great listener, problem solver and community builder. If anything, we can each share our cricket mission stories over a pint if he’s got time.”
He made time.
—-
“So how can I help?” came his sincere reply after answering questions about a potential idea involving special talent visas.
“That’s the question isn’t it?” I mused as I finished my fifth cup of water. “Cricket really won’t take off here in the States until we have a healthy backyard cricket community….wait a minute…”
That proverbial light bulb in my head switched on. The idea was almost blinding.
“Josh?”
“Yeah?”
“Would it be possible or…would you be willing to let your community know we’d be willing to help support growing backyard cricket? We could offer a discount on equipment for those who don’t have it and…”
“Could I make a suggestion?”
“Of course!”
“Pick a day and time. I’ve learned when organizing events nationwide, having a community day and time helps things get going. Also, write a how to guide. Even though many of us grew up playing backyard cricket, it just makes it easier. The easier, the better.”
The easier the better.
——
Thanks to HWCT Jenny’s NYC visit and America Josh’s insight we’re offering community backyard cricket support. Join the mentor group and, if you need equipment, get 50% off the community bundle. We’ll walk you through the process, give you ideas on how to simply explain the game and help you share the love of the backyard game with others.
————
Thanks to Jenny and Josh for that awesome meetup! This couldn’t have happened without you.