Juniors/Players Playing For Different Clubs In Different Leagues

[Carteron]

All very good points.

86 junior players at one club appears (and probably is) very healthy for that individual club but it is far from healthy for local junior cricket IMO. There is simply no need for a club to have so many players (with the intention of having even more).

One possible solution is that DCCC intervene and place a cap on junior numbers at any one club. If clubs have reached their limit then refer any new interested players to DCCC who will be able to signpost them to cricket clubs who have qualified Level 2 coaches and level 1 / assistant coaches on their books. That way it ensures that no club has a monopoly on youth and kids get a reasonable chance to participate.

Whether that is a feasible way of doing things I dont know but given the amount of clubs that have folded or have struggled in recent years with their junior sections something is clearly required to be done.

Not sure I agree with a cap although you make some valid points. I really think a cap is unfair in that attracting these kids not only benefits the cricket teams, but also gets their families involved, contributing to the social side of the club aswell. Also what if a lad wants to bring his schoolmate along to training, and maybe play the odd game - do you send him to the club along the road as you are full where he probably isn't interested in playing.

I do however agree with the idea of loaning players who want a game of cricket. Not sure the Cricket Board need to be involved as clubs could easily get in touch with other local clubs, but I agree its a good idea.

 

[Deleted member 35923]

Not sure I agree with a cap although you make some valid points. I really think a cap is unfair in that attracting these kids not only benefits the cricket teams, but also gets their families involved, contributing to the social side of the club aswell. Also what if a lad wants to bring his schoolmate along to training, and maybe play the odd game - do you send him to the club along the road as you are full where he probably isn't interested in playing.

I do however agree with the idea of loaning players who want a game of cricket. Not sure the Cricket Board need to be involved as clubs could easily get in touch with other local clubs, but I agree its a good idea.

My reason for suggesting the cricket board is that they should have an idea of who is in most need of more players and it also should cut out any local rivalries and what have you. The board should also have knowledge of which clubs have qualified coaches to help the kids development. Fully accept your point about mates signing on btw and that would certainly be a pit fall for my suggestion.

Getting the parents involved is arguably the most important part. Help with administration, lifts here and there, running a tuck / making teas and coffees etc are all vital parts of making junior sections successful.

Its certainly something that Im targeting as a priority at the minute for Houghton.