2015/16 Region Report - Swan Hill District Cricket …swanhilldca.vic.cricket.com.au/files/12732/files/2016 17...Regional Big Bash ..... 11 Other events..... 13 VCCL Under 21 Competition

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Mallee Murray Region

2015/16 Region Report Tom Huf – Regional Cricket Manager

Tom Huf 2015/16

Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Entry level programs - Milo In2Cricket ................................................................................................................... 3

Entry level programs - Milo T20 Blast ..................................................................................................................... 4

School Programs ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

Junior Country Week ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Bushrangers & VicSpirit State Championships .................................................................................................... 7

Female Cricket ................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Grants and Funding ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Participation & small projects ................................................................................................................................ 9

Facilities ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Coaching ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Regional Big Bash .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Umpires ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Other events..................................................................................................................................................................... 13

VCCL Under 21 Competition ................................................................................................................................ 13

Premier Cricket Bush Bash ................................................................................................................................... 13

All Abilities Cricket ................................................................................................................................................... 14

Willowfest .................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Drought Assistance Program ............................................................................................................................... 15

LORE v LAW Community Match ......................................................................................................................... 15

2016/17 Season ............................................................................................................................................................. 17

What next? ................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Appendices .......................................................................................................................................................................... 0

Appendix A: Region participation report........................................................................................................... 0

Appendix B: Entry level program participation and targets...................................................................... 0

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Introduction

It is my pleasure to present the Mallee Murray region annual report for the 2015/16 season.

I would first like to acknowledge the efforts and contribution that Andrew Farlie has made to

the region in his ten years as the Regional Cricket Manager. His dedication and care for cricket

in the region has left me with big shoes to fill and left cricket in the Mallee Murray in a healthy

position.

I would also like to thank those on the board as well as in associations and clubs who have

provided me with guidance and assistance over the last seven months since taking on the role.

Being such a varied role covering lots of areas the season was always going to be challenging,

but having reliable and helpful people who care about cricket has certainly made the transition

easier.

Cricket in the region continues to encounter issues with population and distance, as well as

increasing competition from other sports who have recently increased efforts and implemented

targeted strategies aimed at increasing participation. The importance then of strengthening

entry level and junior competitions needs to be emphasized to guarantee the future of cricket as

the region’s favourite sport.

Junior participation numbers:

Club 1,095

Entr

y Le

vel P

rogr

ams Reg in2CRICKET 230

T20 Blast 116

Extended Skills 195

AASC 270

All Other Entry Level Programs

25

Mod. Club 0

Sch

oo

ls

T20 Blast Schools 1,430

Traditional 840

Indoor 44

Total 4,245

Senior participation numbers:

Club 1,545

Mod. Club 0

Indoor 308

Total 1,853

On the representative front, the Under 18 female Mallee Murray side stood out by making the

state final at the MCG in February. 3 members of the team also went on to represent Victoria

and win the Under 18 national titles undefeated.

We also added a state player in addition to Jake Reed to the Victorian ranks in May. The region

also unearthed some junior talent at another successful junior country week in Swan Hill.

Cricket in the region was also able to demonstrate its valuable place in the community, proving

it really is more of a sport. Events such as the Mildura All Abilities carnival, the LORE v LAW

community match, Cricket Victoria’s drought assistance program and Willowfest all

demonstrated the community emphasis of cricket and demonstrated that it really is a sport for

all Australians.

The season ahead presents many challenges, but also many opportunities to increase

participation and the enjoyment of cricket for everyone. The three main focuses of the season

will be

- Re-establishing entry level program participation

- Creating a clearer and more structured pathway to higher forms of the game for our

talented juniors

- Encouraging and implementing more coach education to improve quality and promote

the game, creating a great product that is attractive to new players

I very much look forward to working with you in the season ahead.

Sincerely

Tom Huf

Regional Cricket Manager – Mallee Murray Region

Cricket Victoria

Entry level programs - Milo In2Cricket

Generally speaking, participation in junior entry level programs did not achieve targets this

season, largely due to a lack of planning in the lead up to the season. Pleasingly however, Milo

In2Cricket registrations were on target suggesting the program is largely entrenched in the

clubs that are running it.

Entry level programs such as Milo In2Cricket play a vital role in recruiting new players to clubs

and keeping them engaged with a fun an exciting product. We can expect to see an improvement

in this space next season, which will pay dividends for clubs in the future.

Milo In2cricket registrations by club:

Participants (TOTAL) 230

Nichols Point 42

Leichville/Gunbower 30

Mildura Settlers 25

Swan Hill 22

Cohuna United 18

Irymple 17

Robinvale District Cricket Association 17

Mildura West 15

Merbein South 12

Sea Lake Woomelang Inc. 10

Ultima TUF 9

Nyah District 7

St Mary's Tyntynder 6

Of concern is the relatively low amount of clubs with Milo In2Cricket programs. The program

provides clubs with an opportunity to attract and retain young players, which in turn usually

translates into more players in junior and senior competitions for the future.

Promoting Milo In2Cricket through school activities will be a big focus for Cricket Victoria in the

region for the 2016/17, so clubs are encouraged to take on the program as an investment in the

future of their club.

Training for Milo In2Cricket coordinators and volunteers will be provided in each association in

the lead up to the season, allowing clubs to deliver quality programs and attract more

volunteers.

Changes to the registration process mean that less administration of the Milo In2Cricket

program will be required by clubs from this season going forward. All registrations will be

online, meaning that invoices will no longer be sent to clubs.

Entry level programs - Milo T20 Blast

The region had one Milo T20 Blast Centre in Sunraysia this season, with 116 participants

making it the sixth biggest centre in the state.

Milo T20 Blast registrations by club:

Participants (TOTAL) 116

Irymple 28

Mildura Settlers 27

Nichols Point 23

Mildura West 19

Merbein South 11

Mildura East 6

Workers Gol Gol 2

Milo T20 Blast provides an important step in the pathway to junior and senior cricket.

Nationwide the program has proven to ensure equal participation, skill and game sense

acquisition, and most of all – fun for players.

The program works best when fully adopted and supported by the association. The Bendigo

District Cricket Association doubled participation in their centre this year to 200, adopting it as

their Under 10 competition. This is supported by the Backyard to Baggy Green pathway that

acknowledges that junior cricket should be modified to encourage fun and equal participation.

As clubs are still attracting new players off the success of the BBL, the modified format is also

better for catering for different playing abilities amongst kids. It also provides less barriers to

entry, as players are not required to spend long times playing, or even to buy their own

equipment.

Feedback across the region and indeed across the country indicates that clubs may be hesitant

to take on the program due to

- Receiving little income from registrations

- Players not identifying with their club

- Players not transitioning into club cricket

- Volunteers not able to take on extra roles

Milo T20 Blast should not be seen as a revenue stream for clubs, but more of an investment in

the future of their clubs. If implemented correctly (ie. As part of a sequence of junior

competitions) the program will reward clubs with increased participation in the future.

The program also encourages the participation of parents and while team management is

required from clubs, the overall running of the program is done by Cricket Victoria.

Clubs have found that something as simple as a club hat can help players feel part of their club.

School Programs

School programs are important in accessing potential players not already in the cricket system

and promoting fun and exciting entry level programs, namely Milo In2Cricket and Milo T20

Blast, as well as local clubs and associations.

Cricket Victoria aims to reach 75% of schools within the state. This was down this year due to a

lack of planning in the lead up to the season, but we can expect this to be around that target next

season. Of significant importance this year will be a focus on promoting and utilising the full

benefits of school ambassadors. This will include more engagement with teachers as well as

training to further promote the game to new markets.

School engagement across the region:

Schools in2CRICKET Registrations

T20 Blast Registrations

School Ambassadors

Sporting Schools

64 31 20 36 4

% 48.44% 31.25% 56.25% 6.25%

i2C Skills School Assembly

School Clinic

T20 Blast School Cup

Current Reach (inc. SS, i2C Skills, Assembly,

Clinic & School Cup)

1 0 11 32 37

1.56% 0.00% 17.19% 50.00% 57.81%

What was particularly pleasing this season was the amount of MILO T20 Blast School Cup

registrations received despite a lack of promotion in the lead up. What this shows is that schools

and kids have adopted the program, and it shows at carnivals where students and teachers

really enjoy the day.

The T20 Blast School Cup follows the same rules as MILO T20 Blast, with teams from schools

playing four matches and the chance to go on to a series of

regional finals culminating in state and national finals, both at

the MCG.

Junior Country Week

2016 saw a very successful country week carnival run

in Swan Hill. Despite overnight rain in the lead up to the

event, the hard work of clubs and curators meant

incredibly all games went ahead as scheduled.

My thanks go to the region for the event, as well as to

the Swan Hill District Cricket Association who were

fantastic in organising the grounds and umpires as

smoothly as they did. This includes the clubs who made their grounds and facilities available,

and up to a high standard.

Finally, thanks go to the associations and coaching staff who organised and accompanied teams

throughout the week. I sincerely hope that support of country week continues and grows, as it

not only plays a vital role in developing our talented players, but also forms a significant cog in

the talent identification process on the way to higher levels of the game. While junior country

week represents a significant cost to associations, it is hopefully also seen as a worthwhile

investment in the future of cricket within the region.

The competition was incredibly tight, especially in the Under 14s where teams were only just

separated by percentage at the end of the week. Sunraysia Green took out the Under 16s title,

with Sunraysia also taking the Under 14s title.

More important however was the talent that was on show, demonstrating that the region

produces quality cricketers who enjoy their cricket and go about it in the spirit of the game.

There are still ways however that the competition can be improved and take advantage of

opportunities available to the region. It was evident from this year’s country week that some

confusion surrounds rules and playing conditions for the competition. This year then provides

an opportunity to clarify these rules, keeping in mind the vital role it plays in the pathway to

higher levels of cricket.

Due to the current age groups of the competition, Junior Country Week cannot practically serve

as a talent ID tool for state championship sides due to them doubling up and the timing of each

competition. Players may also be unavailable if they occur within a week of each other as they

will in 2016/17.

The region has a great chance to create a clearer and more structured and rigorous pathway and

talent ID process while maintaining strong competition by changing to Under 13 and Under 15

(and Under 17) age groups (as other country regions do) for the upcoming season. Barriers to

participation can potentially be offset by sponsorships or other financial support at region level

to encourage player development and pathways. Alternatively the region could look at

alternative timing for the competition to allow this to take place. With the new state

championship structure, increased emphasis on association academies and country week will

be vital to player and coach development going forward.

Bushrangers & VicSpirit State Championships

While results were generally mixed at best, the state championships saw the Under 18 female

side make the final at the MCG, and although they didn’t come away with the title the team and

coaches can be very proud of their achievements, as can all participants from all teams.

One of the more pleasing aspects of the championships was the realisation for many that all

teams were not far off the pace in what is a very competitive competition. As the week went on,

each team grew in confidence as they believed in their abilities and came to know their

teammates and their roles. This means that with a little extra work in the pathway program, the

region could reasonably expect to see competitive sides representing the region if future years.

Three of the Under 18 female side were also part of the Victorian Under 18 side that went

through the national championships undefeated to claim the Betty Butcher Shield. Makinley

Blows also recently became our second current state player after receiving a contract with the

Vic Spirit.

Other player achievements this year include:

- Seamus Keogh – Under 12 SSV Victorian team

- Macey Brereton – Under 15 CA XI team

- Josh Wooding – Under 15 SSV Victorian team

- Makinley Blows – Under 18 Victorian team, nomination for state Future Star award,

Renegades rookie contract & VicSpirit contract

- Annabel Martin – Under 18 Victorian team and nomination for state Future Star award

- Rhiann O’Donnell – Under 18 Victorian team

- Lauren McLean – VCCL Country Championships Female team

Dates as well as changes for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 state championships have just been

announced and are attached to this report.

Female Cricket

This season was a huge one for female cricket, both nationally and locally.

The launch of the Women’s Big Bash League was a huge success, with attendances and TV

audiences exceeding all expectations. The success of the WBBL also quickly followed a number

of other high profile successes in women’s sport including the women’s Ashes, the Matildas

World Cup campaign and the first female to win the Melbourne Cup, promoting more coverage

and participation in female sport across the country.

The WBBL was particularly important for local cricket as it showed a whole generation that

cricket really is a sport for all, with heroes like Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry there for young

girls to aspire to.

The region also had its own reasons to cheer on female cricketers, with Mallee Murray players

now represented the Melbourne Renegades, Vic Spirit, Premier Cricket and in the Under 18

state squad that was undefeated at the national championships.

This becomes increasingly important as clubs and associations look at new ways of recruiting

new players to the sport (especially juniors) to deal with lower populations and more

alternatives to cricket.

While numbers may still be low in senior and junior competitions, increased female

participation in entry level programs like Milo T20 Blast and Milo In2Cricket, clubs and

associations will soon start seeing increased numbers of females playing cricket. Whether it’s

playing against the boys, or with their groups of friends in female competitions, there is now an

opportunity for clubs and associations to promote female cricket and therefore increase

participation.

Female participation numbers in the region:

Club 145

Entr

y Le

vel P

rogr

ams Reg in2CRICKET 36

T20 Blast 9

Extended Skills 73

AASC 0

All Other Entry Level Programs

0

Mod. Club 0

Sch

oo

ls

T20 Blast Schools 590

Traditional 210

Indoor 6

Total 1,069

Grants and Funding

The heavily scrutinised nature of most grant processes as well as the time required to compile

applications means that many clubs are often under prepared when grant opportunities arise.

Therefore clubs are encouraged to have plans and quotes in place, foster good relationships

with all stakeholders (including councils, community groups and other sporting clubs) and take

a long term view when planning to apply for grants and funding. Information on grants

continues to be available on the Cricket Victoria website.

Participation & small projects

Cricket Victoria is currently in talks with the Gannawarra, Buloke, Swan Hill Rural City,

Yarriambiack and Milura Rural City shire councils with the aim of establishing ‘voucher

programs’ aimed at providing assistance to individuals when paying memberships.

The program which has been successfully implemented in other areas across the state provides

small grants to subsidise memberships for those experiencing difficulties such as financial or

those associated with drought. Money is made available to councils by Cricket Victoria, with

individuals (or clubs on their behalf) able to apply confidentially for assistance up to 50 or 75%

of a membership cost. This can include Milo In2Cricket or Milo T20 Blast.

As part of Cricket Victoria’s drought assistance project in 2016, Cricket Victoria worked

together with the state government and Cricket Australia and ensured $100 000 was made

available in the form of grants up to $5 000 to clubs. The grant program for small projects was

aimed at continuing cricket in drought affected regions. These were available to clubs in the ten

drought declared Local Government Areas and seventeen applications were submitted to the

state government. Announcements are expected soon regarding the outcome of these.

Facilities

The announcement by the state government to contribute to the Junction Oval redevelopment

in Melbourne was also accompanied by the announcement that $10 million would be made

available over four years solely to cricket as part of the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund

(SDIF). The grants, up to $100 000, will match contributions towards a project 2:1 in country

areas and can be used in improving cricket infrastructure.

The Swan Hill Rural City Council put forward two quality applications in the first round of

grants, and an announcement is expected soon from the state government. The second round of

applications closed in early June.

Coaching

Over the last 12-18 months there has been a shift in the mindset of coaching towards the

‘Australian Way.’ Included in the MyCricket Community website coaches now have access to a

range of resources to improve the standard of coaching in Australia.

Having good coaches at your club or association is vitally important for cricket. Not only will

better coaching lead to the region producing better cricketers, but it also makes participation

more enjoyable for all players leading to greater retention of players.

Raising the level of coaching throughout the region remains as a major opportunity for the

region to increase the quality and quantity of cricket taking place, particularly by presenting a

more enjoyable product for kids and newcomers to the sport as competition from other sports

and social factors make it harder for cricket to gain a stranglehold.

This season will see more Community Coaching (formerly known as level 1 coaching) courses

running across the region. Planning has also begun for many other coach and player

development opportunities as the region takes advantage of the Australian Cricketers

Association (ACA) past players program bringing outside coaches to the region. Both new and

experienced coaches are highly encouraged to attend to learn more on coaching the ‘Australian

Way.’

Regional Big Bash

The Cricket Victoria Regional Big Bash competition allows clubs from across Victoria to compete

and vie for the chance to do what few players get to do – play on the MCG.

The 2015/16 season saw Mildura Settlers represent the region at the Renegades conference

finals in Horsham. Unfortunately they went down to Gisborne, however they should be

congratulated on their participation and outstanding run in the competition.

Congratulations and thanks also go to Ouyen Rams CC, St Mary’s Tyntynder CC and Wandella CC

for making it to the semi-finals stage.

Finally, thanks also go to Tooleybuc CC for preparing an excellent pitch and ground for the

finals.

Feedback around the Regional Big Bash competition centres mainly around the distances

required to travel to participate. Financial assistance is provided to the winner at our region

level, however assistance is not provided to participate in inter-regional finals. It is also difficult

to find a central location that does not incur some travel for most teams, meaning time away

from home for players and costs for clubs for travel.

An opportunity exists to make the inter-regional matches a competition of note with more

coverage to promote more support from clubs. With the addition of a sponsor or some other

form of fundraising at region level to provide a trophy and travel assistance for teams

participating, the competition has the potential to gain notoriety in the region and provide

another level for cricketers to strive for.

The issue of travel, particularly for the Mallee Murray region, has been raised with Cricket

Victoria who are conducting a review of the competition.

For the record, Doutta Stars took out the title in a tight match that also gained a lot of publicity

and coverage.

Umpires

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has released the first ever Laws of Cricket app. Free to

download, ‘MCC Laws of Cricket’ includes easily digestible explanations of each Law, new

imagery and animations and a special Laws quiz.

MCC is the Guardian of the Laws and Spirit of Cricket, and all 42 Laws of the game are explained

within the app.

The Laws are categorised into eight sections explaining everything from how to set up a game to

appeals and modes of dismissals.

There are 15 Laws animations available to view, all of which are voiced by writer, broadcaster

and actor Stephen Fry and explain various Laws including ‘Damaging the Pitch’ and ‘Obstructing

the Field’.

Fry is aided in his explanations by ‘Tommy’, an animated young cricketer who learns from the

Laws simulations throughout the animations.

The app further simplifies the Laws of Cricket with 18 separate videos of umpire signals,

designed to help players, officials and fans to decipher exactly what an umpire’s movements

mean.

The app is available to download for all Android and iOS devices.

Download the Android app here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.lords.lawsofcricket&hl=en

Download the iOS app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-laws-of-

cricket/id1099867255?ls=1&mt=8

Other events

VCCL Under 21 Competition

Without any time together in the lead up to the two matches, the Mallee Murray Bulls Under 21

side acquitted themselves very well. Most notable was the second match against Western Waves

that even for the experienced coach was ‘nerve-biting.’

By all accounts the team played extremely well and were unlucky not to

come away from the matches with a win. It was however another

showcase for the young talent the region has produced over recent years

and is a credit to themselves, their clubs and their associations.

With added support from players, coaches and the region (such as training

sessions in the lead up to matches or increased promotion to make selection more noteworthy)

the region stands a good chance of some even stronger results.

Premier Cricket Bush Bash

The Swan Hill District Cricket Association once again hosted a Premier Cricket Regional Big

Bash this year. The match saw Melbourne Uni take on Greenvale Kangaroos on a perfect day for

cricket.

My congratulations go to the association and the Swan Hill Cricket Club for putting on another

fantastic day. Both teams were thrilled with not only the condition of the ground and pitch, but

also of the hospitality of the hosts. Pleasingly this was returned with many players from both

teams getting very involved in a junior clinic which was very well received.

The event represents a significant investment from Cricket Victoria in taking high level cricket

out to the country and giving our cricketers a first-hand look at the quality of the state’s highest

level competition - hopefully giving them something to aspire to in the process.

It is fair to say that the region and the association

have a great reputation for running this event

well, and after this year’s instalment it is easy to

see why.

With Fawad Ahmed a late withdrawal from the

selected sides, there were no ‘big names’ to

attract a large crowd, but those that were there

were treated to some great cricket.

All Abilities Cricket

2015 saw the sixth instalment of the Country Care Mildura All Abilities Cricket Carnival run by

the Mallee Sports Assembly. Teams from three states travelled big distances to participate in the

event, which this year had separate schools and senior divisions.

The event forms the majority of all abilities cricket participation

numbers within the region, meaning the region has a 1.1% all

abilities participation rate. This ranks as one of the biggest all

abilities participation rates in the state.

The event provides people with disabilities an opportunity to

participate and play cricket in a friendly and competitive

environment.

The event was attended and facilitated by Cricket Victoria’s

Community Programs Coordinator Aaron Wharton, who also spoke

at event praising the work of the Mallee Sports Assembly in

running the event.

Willowfest

In its 38th year Willowfest attracted 22 teams to Mildura between Christmas and the New Year.

The event has become an annual tradition for cricketers across the state, and is a unique and

remarkable showpiece for cricket, facilities and the people in the region.

Changing dynamics within cricket and society in general mean the appeal of Willowfest has

changed, necessitating a shift in emphasis for the running and marketing of the event. There is

also a strain on volunteers with less left to organise and run the event.

The unique cricketing competition has the potential to encourage

junior and senior participation, as well as portraying cricket as a fun

and exciting part of the community. However this requires more

assistance. To gain this, associations and clubs need to be reminded of

the benefits for the community and for cricket to gain back some

ownership of Willowfest.

The teams entered in Willowfest count towards the final

participation numbers for the region, as well as bringing many

economic benefits to Mildura and surrounds.

Drought Assistance Program

Towards the end of 2015 the Game & Market Development department at Cricket Victoria

assembled a working group to look into delivering a program to give back to the communities

experiencing difficulties due to the drought. This came off the back of the state governments

announcement of funding in ten Local Government Areas.

Key outcomes from the project included:

- 70 tickets to the Melbourne Renegades v Adelaide Strikers for cricket fans where Chris

Gayle made 50 from 12 balls, with buses supplied by the GAnnawarra and Buloke shires

- Cohuna community event

o Appearance by former Bushranger Graeme Vimpani

o Junior clinic for 40 juniors

o 2015 World Cup trophy appearance

o Donation of memorabilia to NDCA

- Tempy community event

o Appearance by current Bushranger

Ryan Sidebottom attended by roughly

80 people

o Junior clinic for 60 juniors

o 2015 World Cup trophy appearance

o Donation of memorabilia to Tempy CC

and Ouyen District CA

o Appearance of Sledge the Melbourne

Renegades mascot

- Lobbied state government and Cricket

Australia to create $100 000 small projects

grant for drought affected clubs

- Donation of player gear (eg. Aaron Finch, Clint

McKay and John Hastings to name a few) for

an online auction with proceeds to go to

Beyond Blue in recognition of the difficulties

experienced by farming communities in times

of drought.

LORE v LAW Community Match

2016 saw the first instalment of the LORE v LAW community match (formerly the Murray River

Challenge Cup), pitting members of the Swan Hill indigenous community against members of

the Swan Hill police.

The match at Ken Harrison Oval was coordinated by the Swan Hill Koori Justice Network and

supported by Harmony in Cricket. There were lots of wickets, sixes and laughs throughout the

day, as well as great camaraderie between the two teams.

Congratulations and thank you to the Swan Hill Koori Justice Network, Victoria Police,

Department of Justice and Regulation, Koori Court and Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service for

partnering in a great day.

Thanks also to Bendigo Bank, Magistrate Court, Koori Court, Priority Communities Division (VIC

Police) and Department of Health and Human Services- Youth Justice for their sponsorship of

the day.

Finally, a massive thank you to St,Mary's Tyntynder Cricket Club for preparing a great pitch.

The award winners for the day were:

Harmony in Cricket Spirit of Cricket Award:

LORE- Sarah Whyman

LAW- Roberta Barry

Most Valuable Player:

LORE- Travis Perry

LAW- Joel Lloyd

For the record, the LAW side came out on top in a tight tussle after batting first and compiling

7/111 from their 20 overs. In response the LORE side came very close, finishing on 8/109.

Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor and LAW captain Les McPhee thanked everyone for a great

day and looked forward to the event being even bigger and better next year.

2016/17 Season

As planning continues in the off-season, 2016/17 is already shaping up as an exciting one for

the region.

It has been pleasing to see associations taking initiative in establishing junior academies, or

continuing junior development opportunities such as junior cricket camps. I am very keen to

throw support behind these in the form of coach and development opportunities to ensure fun

and quality cricket across the region. Together with an added focus on Junior Country Week if

the region deems fit, we will be creating a great environment to nurture growth and

improvement from within the region.

More funding and resources will also become available to promote participation in a number of

key areas, particularly around female participation that associations are strongly encouraged to

get behind.

A restructure of the Market & Community Engagement team in Cricket Victoria included added

part time staff will see greater opportunities to engage and encourage participation in low

socio-economic, multicultural, indigenous and all abilities groups in the community. This all

means that Cricket Victoria together with thoughtful strategy and enthusiastic support from

clubs and associations should be able to deliver some great new opportunities and events in the

region this season.

The Melbourne Renegades have also emphasized their commitment to community engagement

by throwing extra support behind events if teamed with a strategy aimed at promoting the

game to new people. Though talks are still in the early stages, this season will see more effort

dedicated to bringing new initiatives and events to the region, even if they are only trialled in

some areas with the long term vision to rolling them out over the whole region in coming

seasons.

What next?

I will be making contact with associations and state championship coaches, as well as other key

people over coming weeks to discuss individual strategies around the following priorities in

more depth.

- Junior participation

- Junior formats and strategies for junior cricket, supported by the Backyard to Baggy

Green publication from Cricket Australia

- Coach development

- Player development through association academies and camps

- Coach development and accreditation

- State championships trials, practice matches and selection processes

- State championship coach appointments

- Female participation strategies

- Region calendar of events

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Appendices

Appendix A: Region participation report

[Attached]

Appendix B: Entry level program participation and targets

Region Schools

Sampling in2CRICKET

Skills Target

% of Target

MILO T20 Blast School

Cups Target

% of Target

Total Target % of

Target

State Total 58,607 35,398 41,766 85% 41,742 54,222 77% 77,140 95,988 80%

Mallee Murray 139 145 360 40% 1,380 2,485 56% 1,525 2,845 54%

Clubs Entry Level Programs

MILO in2CRICKET

Target % of

Target MILO T20

Blast Target

% of Target

Total Target % of

Target Total Target

% of Target

14,665 14,222 103% 3,924 5,622 70% 18,589 19,844 94% 95,729 115,832 83%

230 230 100% 116 220 53% 346 450 77% 1,871 3,295 57%

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- 2015/2016 -