Underage Teams Update
Hello Centrals Families,
Hopefully everyone is surviving the lockdown and is very enthusiastic for a summer with fewer restrictions and Junior Sport!!
In terms of the Junior Competition, we have just been advised by the Cricket Association (SECA) we should prepare for a mid-November season start, assuming the planned (roadmap) relaxing of COVID restrictions. Cricket is a sport well suited to COVID considerations; played outside with social distancing available.
Based on a mid-November start there will be nearly a full fixture of games available, with more games in March planned and only a grand final played at the end of home and away matches. With this in mind we need to confirm team nominations and formats for the season by the end of October. There will be much to confirm in terms of protocols for play and practice, however, I am sure all will appreciate being able to get outside and participate in a great community activity.
In the background the Club has been busy discussing how the season can go forward and how to provide a safe environment for all. With this in mind I am very pleased to announce one of our well known Junior parents and coaches Alisdair Smyth has been elected to the Club Committee. Alisdair brings a love of the game and coaching, but also much knowledge regarding co-ordinating COVID protocols for junior teams, having recently lead this activity for Hampton Rovers Football Club. Wonderful to have you onboard Alisdair!
To assist our planning and to ensure returning players are catered for first, we will soon circulate an age group specific email, asking that you confirm your child’s intention to play this coming season, or not to play. We are intending on applying for Under 12 Rookies (new starters from Master Blaster), Under 12’s, Under 14’s, Under 16’s and this season Under 18’s (assuming SECA has enough teams to run an U18 grade).
If you wish to register immediately, our MyCricket Registration page is now open. Please follow the attached hyperlink: Hampton Central CC MyCricket Registration Link
With gradings to confirm and enquiries from outside the Club to join, it is important to hear from all our returning families in a timely manner. Again based on returning participants, numbers should be strong. For those unsure which age group or team they may be earmarked, all players from last season will receive an email or phone call from the Club of their intended age group/team for this season, with an indication of selection process, likely training dates, etc.
Again, the Club is also keen to canvas our returning junior parents and families for aspiring Coaches/ Assistants/ Team Managers. If you are interested in a coaching/ management role for the coming season, or indeed another role around the Club, please do not be shy in letting the Club know. The Club appreciates as many junior parents as possible having an input in the running of junior cricket. To assist this objective the Club will be supporting Coaches to obtain Level 1 (Community Coaching) Accreditation, will have previous experienced Coaches to assist as needed and will have a Junior Coaching Coordinator, who will be able to mentor and assist any volunteer that takes on a role.
In the build up to the season proper, skills and pre-season training (COVID compliant) will be advised by respective Team Managers/ Coaches, once confirmed. The Junior Fixture Dates will come through closer to the Season commencement, with the first games intended for the weekend of the 14th November. For the ordering of Club gear (merchandise), more details to follow in coming emails. Orders can be via the MyCricket link when registering.
Importantly for our older Under 14’s and 16’s, the Club will again be entering a lower grade Senior Team (a restricted grade), allowing many to play with some of our “experienced” Seniors. This is a great setting to hone skills and will provide an opportunity for a few father and sons to have a game together; a great tradition at the Centrals. Last season we had at least 10 juniors play in this team (including 5 Under 14s), with some great performances and enjoyment observed. The team did well too making finals!!
To assist our publicizing and recruitment for the coming season we will shortly have promotional material and advertisements around the local area. Again, we would be pleased for any “word of mouth” referrals and peer group recruiting.
If you wish to discuss any aspects of the coming Season, please do not hesitate to send me an email, or call on 0407816896.
Regards,
Trevor Layzell HCCC Junior Coordinator 0407816896
“Cheer Cheer the Good Ol Two Blues”