Milo, the official drink of play...and cricket!

This post is brought to you by Milo

We have two seasons in the Warren household...footy season, and cricket season. As soon as the weather starts warming up, the cricket bat and ball come out for many a long afternoon of front yard cricket with the neighbours. It's a game everyone can join in no matter their age and skill level, and there aren't too many rules...if you hit a tree or car, you're caught out; hitting a house on the full is an out; if you hit the ball over our garden, you score a 6...the list goes on...I'm sure it's made up as the game plays out, but that's half the fun!

During the last school holidays, the kids were given the opportunity to spend a fun-filled day learning and improving their cricket skills with Aussie cricketing legend and MILO ambassador, Michael Clarke. Clarkey first started playing cricket in the MILO junior cricket programs when he was a youngster and is now Australian cricket captain!

Cricket Australia, together with the MILO team, are committed to supporting and encouraging the active, healthy lifestyle of Australian kids. Michael Clarke joined with Milo in 2007 to become their ambassador...to help play a key role in developing the next generation of Aussie cricketers, and, more importantly, help get kids outside and active! Clarkey started the day by warming up with the kids, making sure everyone had their sunscreen and hats on, and then guiding each of the kids. I was so impressed with how well he interacted with the children...speaking to them in terms they understood and accommodating each of their different skill levels.

Seth was so keen to get started, and there was no way he was going to let a broken arm hold him back! Clarkey complimented Seth on his bowling action, saying that he bowled really well for a kid with a broken arm. Seth was pretty chuffed. Check out that serious bowling action!

Next up...batting practice. Each of the kids took turns in batting and bowling so that it was fair...with some backyard cricket rules came into play, such as not getting out on the first ball! lol. 

While Clarkey was hosting a backyard cricket training session for the kids, I had the opportunity to catch up with a few fellow bloggers and parents, to talk all things nutrition and tips for healthy summer snacks with Milo's certified nutritionist.

Did you know...MILO and milk is a nutrient rich, low GI option – great for fueling active fun. A glass of MILO and milk delivers nearly 50% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for calcium...which great for growing bones. Add Milo to smoothies, porridge, or make your own muesli bars for a delicious and healthy treat. My hubby and I (Milo isn't just for kids!) actually start each day with a smoothie consisting of natural yoghurt, skim milk, a banana, and 3 teaspoons of Milo...blended until it's nice and thick.

Towards the end of the training session, Michael started hitting shots all over the park for the kids to catch. That's when the competition started to heat up...with kids running left, right, and centre to take a catch off Clarkey! Being a good blogger, I was busy taking photos when I heard Clarkey say "Catch mum!!". Clarkey had hit the cricket ball in my direction! In that split second, I popped my left hand up in the air, while managing to hold onto my digi SLR in the other. I can officially now say, I caught out the Australian cricket captain!! Don't ever ask me to try it again...it was a complete fluke. lol.

Michael was incredibly generous with his time, and finished off the afternoon autographing cricket goodies for the kids. Seth chose to have Michael sign his cast and hit T20 Blast polo shirt. Now that his cast has been removed, he's decided to keep it forever, with it now proudly on display on his bedroom! Yeah, what can I say about that...lol.

The kids came home exhausted from a full day of play, with some great goodies thanks to Milo and Cricket Australia...which have now become part of their every day wear. Love that they've thought of the girls too. Eme proudly wears her hot pink shirt to Fit Kids training every week!

We learned many lessons that day...

1. Active play is a fun way to ensure your kids are physically active!
2. It doesn't matter if it's playing a team sport such a cricket, or running, hopping and jumping...it's all about moving and having fun; and
3. Being active and having a nutritionally balanced diet is great for healthy bone development for kids.

When was the last time you enjoyed playing a game of backyard cricket with the kids?

Disclaimer: We attended this event as a guest of Milo and were gifted Milo cricket kits for the kids. I was not obligated to blog about this event, and no money was received nor requested for this post. All opinions expressed above are my own.