Cricket NSW has released its draft strategy which outlines the areas of local cricket which need to be nurtured if the sport is to thrive.
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The strategy is a result of the Cricket in Goulburn Forum which was held at the Soldiers Club on April 7, at which local stakeholders discussed the needs of the cricket community.
Many topics were discussed at the forum, which included areas in which local cricket can improve and how to maintain areas of strength.
Attendees at the forum were split into four groups: schools, club competition, off field, and talent.
These groups were designed to address what are considered the primary aspects of local cricket, and each group was tasked with discussing how each aspect could be improved.
One of the primary outcomes of the forum was the relationship between senior and junior cricket, which is seen by some in the local cricketing fraternity as in need of a revamp.
The draft strategy lists 16 key themes which emerged from the workshop, many of which focus on the relationship between junior and senior cricketers.
Some of these themes include:
- Stronger affiliation between senior and juniors
- Clubs want more resources: schools, clubs, volunteer roles
- Schools aren't connected well enough with clubs at junior levels
- Increased focus on inter-school cricket
- Upskill teachers on cricket programs and knowledge
As a result of the data shown and themes to emerge from the forum, Cricket NSW has designed a four-year progressive strategy designed to grow cricket locally.
The ideas presented in the strategy will be implemented with the assistance of Cricket NSW, and include concepts such as:
- A minimum of one cricket activity or program to be delivered at each school
- Local schools will be invited to attend each School Cup in their catchment
- Delivery of a teacher-based community course each year
- Club recruitment to be promoted through school channels
The strategy lists such ideas in-depth for junior and senior cricket, along with schools and off-field entities such as club committees.
For more information, or to read the strategy in full, please contact the Goulburn and District Senior Cricket Association or the Goulburn Junior Cricket Association.
Any members of the community are welcome to give feedback on the strategy, which is open for comment until the end of June.
Feedback can be sent directly to Cricket Manager of Southern Inland NSW, Michael Minns, at michael.minns@cricketnsw.com.au.
