Largest ever Pathway to Performance cohort announced

Fifteen coaches have been selected for the fourth cohort of New Zealand Cricket's Pathway to Performance programme (P2P) programme, marking the largest intake in the programme's history.

The programme aims to support women coaches currently working in community cricket who aspire to progress into performance coaching environments.

Thirty coaches have now progressed through the programme and eighteen coaches through the alumni pathway, helping create a nationwide network of women coaching leaders.

Led by New Zealand Cricket and supported by Major Associations, the ten-month programme provides development opportunities designed to bridge the gap between community and performance coaching.

The growth of the programme has coincided with a visible increase in women coaching at the performance level.

At the 2026 National U19 Women’s and U17 Girls tournaments, 74% of coaches were women, while many former P2P participants have progressed into coaching roles within Major and District Associations.

One such coach is Amy Foreman (Central Districts), who says the programme has played an important role in her development.

“Being part of the Pathway to Performance programme has provided me with a fantastic coaching opportunity within the Central Districts U19 Women’s programme and allowed me to grow as a coach,"

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect and grow alongside such amazing women, and for NZC creating a pathway that empowers and develops female coaches.”

Former Auckland cricketer and newly selected P2P coach, Sarah Hopkins, was excited to reconnect with cricket through the programme.

I'm grateful and excited to be part of the 2026 Pathway to Performance cohort,” said Hopkins.

“After nearly a decade away from the game, I'm particularly looking forward to accessing coaching development opportunities focused on women and girls' cricket, while also learning about innovative approaches to coaching.”

“Coaching provides an opportunity to inspire young cricketers to fall in love with the game, just as I did,”

“I want to help create a generation of women and girls who embrace challenges, back themselves, and continue striving for personal growth both on and off the field.”

The newly selected 2026-27 cohort recently completed its first online connection session and will embark on a ten-month journey that includes a residential workshop, online development opportunities and support coaching experiences at national age-group tournaments.

Pathway to Performance Programme 2026-27: