Registrations for the program are free and are open to schools across NSW and the ACT, and will see schools adopt a Thunder player for term four and into the summer holidays.

Each school that registers will receive a Thunder Local Hero activity pack, which includes a bio and posters of their player, a schools activity pack, stickers, a welcome video and regular email updates.

Former Australian stars Mike Hussey and Usman Khawaja, along with up-and-coming quick Gurinder Sandhu, will headline the program, which will also see select schools win the chance to have a Sydney Thunder player come to their school for a special clinic, as well as the opportunity to win tickets to a Sydney Thunder match.

“Last year it was great to be associated with a number of local schools and most importantly to give back to our youngest and most passionate fans,” Mr Hussey said.

“School kids are some of our greatest supporters so it will be great to be able to return some of that support across the summer.”

Sydney Thunder general manager Nick Cummins said the team was looking forward to connecting with schools throughout NSW and the ACT.

“Being able to give back to our local communities, schools and families is at the heart of what we are about as a team and we are pleased to be able to connect with them again through the Local Hero initiative,” he said.

To find out more about the Thunder Local Hero and register your school visit www.sydneythunder.com.au/localhero.