JUNIOR participation is the lifeblood and future of cricket in the Swan Hill region.
That was the message from Swan Hill District Cricket Association board member Greg Cruickshank, as local junior programs got underway this week.
The district’s In2Cricket program was launched at Swan Hill Primary School on Wednesday, with Swan Hill and Ultima TUF cricket clubs to host weekly skills and participation sessions on Thursday and Friday afternoons respectively.
In2Cricket is designed for prep to Grade 2 students, with a participation age-gap now to be filled by T20 Blast.
The T20 Blast is aimed at 8-10 year-olds to keep them involved in the sport between ending In2Cricket and Under 12s.
That program starts next Tuesday at Alan Garden Memorial Reserve.
Cruickshank said the SHDCA was keen to “promote [juniors] through every club”.
“It’s compulsory for clubs to have a program for juniors,” he said.
“And it’s in their best interests — it will help grow their clubs and the sport in the region.”
Cruickshank said Cricket Victoria subsidies helped remove any cost barrier that families faced.
“There are subsidies available out of Cricket Victoria. Affordability has been identified as a key issue but now cost doesn’t need to be a barrier,” he said.
“Everything’s provided and it’s easier and more affordable.”
Cricket Victoria community programs coordinator Aaron Wharton was on hand at the launch, sporting the Twenty 20 women’s ICC World Cup trophy, recently won by Australia.
