From Vanuatu to the World Stage: Selina Solman’s Journey
As captain of the Vanuatu national women’s cricket team, Selina Solman’s journey is a testament to Fairbreak’s transformative power. Selina shares her cricketing story so far, her defining experiences with Fairbreak, and the lasting impact this global movement has had on her life, both on and off the field.
How did your cricket journey begin?
It all started with a challenge from my cousin back in 2013. I was 17, and Vanuatu only had three clubs in the whole country at the time, and they were looking for more girls to join. I’d never even seen a real cricket ball before! So I told my cousin if you want me to come and try cricket, you have to play for my netball team. We made a deal: I went to cricket, and I never left.
There are many reasons I fell in love with cricket. One reason is that I love a challenge, and I wanted to stay to see if I could get up to the same standard as the other girls. I also felt that more than any other sport, I’d walk away from each training session learning something new. I’ve been playing cricket for 12 years now, and every training session I go to, I still always walk away learning something new.
How did you get involved with Fairbreak?
Shaun invited me to a three-day training camp in New Zealand in 2015. That’s how I met everyone at Fairbreak, and Shaun himself. He’s been a massive part of my life in cricket and as a person and has helped me grow so much. Then, in 2018, whilst living in Adelaide, I returned from training, and the family I was staying with told me I had a phone call. It was Shaun. He said they were having their first Fairbreak games in Wormsley, England, and asked if I wanted to be part of it. I was so happy and very emotional. I’d been away from my family for a long time, and this felt like everything I’d been working for was finally happening. I love playing cricket, and I love to travel, so going to England, a place I’d always wanted to visit, was a big bonus. I had tears streaming down my face, happy tears, of course. I was incredibly proud and emotional.
What role has Fairbreak played in your career?
My whole career is built around Fairbreak. It’s how I got to where I am today. A few years ago, I faced a difficult decision; I needed to support myself and I had to tell the people who believed in me that I might have to give up on cricket. Shaun wouldn’t let me give up; he encouraged me to keep going. I didn’t stop, and Fairbreak continued to help me build my confidence and grow, especially when it came to captaincy. I knew nothing about leading a team before Fairbreak. But being involved in their tournaments – the UK one, Canberra, Sydney, Dubai – I’ve grown so much. I’ve met so many amazing people through Fairbreak. I’ve gotten to play with some of the best cricketers and coaches in the world and made lifelong friends. My career is built on Fairbreak. It’s made me who I am today.
What does being a Fairbreaker mean to you?
Being a Fairbreaker means being proud. It’s about women’s empowerment. It’s about equality. I’m a very proud Fairbreaker, and I tell everyone about it. If someone asks me what team I play for, I tell them about Fairbreak.
Coming from an associate country, there are so many talented people around me, but we never get the opportunities. We can only watch all these amazing players. But because of Fairbreak, I’ve been able to play in these tournaments. Where else can you do that? To me, Fairbreak is all about that – playing for people who never thought they’d be in that position, making their dreams come true. Fairbreak means everything to me. I’m incredibly proud to be a Fairbreaker, and I’ll never take it for granted. The name Fairbreak itself says it all. I couldn’t be a prouder Fairbreaker.
What impact has Fairbreak had on your life?
Fairbreak helped me with my career and made me believe I could achieve more. I always wanted to play cricket but was worried about getting paid. You don’t get paid to play cricket in my country. Fairbreak was the first time I’ve ever been paid to play cricket, and it’s helped me a lot with my personal life and my family’s lives.
I could finally help my family in ways I never thought possible. We could even pay off a big chunk of my mum’s house. It’s given me a sense of independence too. I was able to move out and live in my own apartment, which doesn’t happen often for young girls living on the island. It’s also allowed me to give back to my cricket community. I’ve been able to help get uniforms for my team, and transport to the club every weekend.
Since returning from Fairbreak tournaments, there’s been a real change here. People are getting more involved in cricket, especially women’s cricket. It’s amazing to hear words of encouragement and praise from the same community that once discouraged me. Now, I have my family and community with me; people see the good in cricket and its future.
Fairbreak is part of my life. Shaun is someone who I will always hold dearly in my heart for believing in me, and I am very grateful for everyone who works behind the scenes.