Perth Scorchers players were put through their toughest drill yet at the newly redeveloped WACA Ground on Thursday – not by their coaching staff, but by a group of courageous West Aussie kids living with serious health conditions.
Perth Scorchers put through their paces by energetic PCHF Ambassadors
Fast bowlers Lance Morris and Mahli Beardman and spinners Lilly Mills and Amy Edgar laced up for a special rehabilitation-inspired training session to mark the Club's renewed partnership with Perth Children's Hospital Foundation (PCHF), with the Scorchers throwing their support behind the Foundation’s 2026 Tax Appeal.
The session saw PCHF Ambassador Kids – living with conditions ranging from cancer to Type 1 diabetes, heart transplant recovery to hearing loss and mobility challenges – lead the players through a series of drills testing balance, resistance and coordination. Safe to say, the kids didn't go easy on them.
"It was tougher than I thought!" Mills laughed.
"The kids like to put you through your paces. I think every time you're bossed around by a kid, it puts you back into your humble boots, that's for sure!"
For Morris, who is 10 months post-back surgery and building back to full fitness after several lengthy rehabilitation stints in recent seasons, the day offered some welcome perspective.
"It's been pretty cool today to see some kids that are going through a bit of a tough time at the moment rocking up with a big smile on their faces and really enjoying themselves," Morris said.
"As sportspeople, we occasionally go through rehabs and setbacks, but that doesn't compare to what these kids are going through. The energy they brought along today, you can see how happy they are and what it means to be out playing with their friends. It's pretty special to see."
Despite his own lengthy road back to the field, Morris was quick to put his journey in perspective.
"I can only imagine what these kids have to go through on a day-to-day basis. Any help we can provide at all is pretty cool to see, so hopefully we can make a decent difference with this charity."
Mills echoed that sentiment, reflecting on what has become a meaningful date on the Scorchers’ calendar.
"It's super important, the partnership we have with Perth Children's Hospital Foundation," Mills said.
"It's been ongoing for a few years now and I've been fortunate enough to be part of a few of these days. To see the smiles on the kids' faces and for us to show them what a day in the life of a Scorcher is like is pretty cool.
"It's a super important cause. Nobody likes to see sick or suffering kids and every donation counts. As Perth Scorchers, we're getting behind them and it'd be great if everyone else can."
The partnership, an extension of a relationship first forged in 2024, sees funds raised through the PCHF Tax Appeal directed to Kids Rehab WA at Perth Children's Hospital, supporting specialised therapy, equipment and world-class rehabilitation care for children across the state.
Perth Children's Hospital Foundation CEO Carrick Robinson said the program's impact goes far beyond the physical.
"Rehabilitation gives children the opportunity to experience childhood milestones again, whether that's taking their first steps, throwing a ball or writing their name," Mr Robinson said.
"Play-based recovery, like we've seen here today, is so important when it comes to helping kids regain their movement, independence, confidence and overall quality of life.
"We're so grateful to again partner with the Perth Scorchers this season, with the team playing a vital role in helping us create positive, memorable experiences for kids recovering from major health challenges."
The Ambassador Kids were also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the upgraded WACA Ground, taking in the strength and conditioning areas, the gym and the new 10-lane indoor cricket centre, capping off a morning that left an impression on players and young visitors alike.
Donations to the PCHF Tax Appeal are open until June 30 at pchf.org.au/donate.