Junior Cricket
Proposed Changes to Junior Cricket at HBCC
2009 was a season of high and lows for HBCC’s junior section. The Under 13s and Under 15s had good league campaigns especially considering that the majority of the players are at the younger end of their age groups. The summer BBQ was once again a great success escaping the worst of the summer weather but the same can’t be said of the Trios tournament which fell victim to the rain.
For the first time the club established links with professional coaches who now provide one-2-one private coaching at Brooks Drive, feedback has been really positive. The club has also applied to the ECB for a grant that will cover some of the £30,000 costs of building new nets to replace the old dilapidated nets in the far corner of Brooks Drive. If this is successful it will give us quite simply the best training facility in the area.
It was good to see how many Under 18s who have come up through the club’s junior system are now key players in all three of the club’s senior league teams. Last season was also notable for the number of Under 15 players who broke into senior teams. They all made important contributions.
However the season was not without it’s problems. For the first time in many years we were not able to field an Under 11s team. This caused a great deal of frustration and disenchantment for many players and their families and we have received some strong criticism during the summer and more since the season ended. Obviously something needed to be done.
Since the 2009 season ended we have taken advice from professional coaches from outside HBCC, listened to comments from current players and we have had received helpful feedback and support from parents. Taking this into account we have come up with the following plan. We welcome your views on these proposed changes.
Winter indoor training for U11s to U15s will start up again in the New Year at The Grammar however player numbers will be limited to ensure that these sessions are not overcrowded.
U18 players will start winter training at Lancashire CCC, Old Trafford with the senior players in February.
Summer outdoor training will start in April 2010 but with a new timetable and an over-arching coaching plan for each age group.
Under 11 and Under 9 summer training will move to Saturday mornings at the club from 9:30am to 11:00am. This will allow for an improvement in the player/coach ratio and allow for the full use of the club’s facilities.
The Under 15s will train alongside the Under 13s on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:15pm. Again this allows for improved player/coach ratio as well as allowing these groups greater use of the full facility. (NB. We understand that match days and times will remain the same as in previous seasons.)
U18 players will continue to train alongside the seniors on Thursday evenings.
Each age group will have its own dedicated lead coach who will take responsibility for planning that age groups training through the course of the season in line with the groups over-arching coaching plan.
The club is paying to train at least two new UKCC Level 1 coaches.
All Under 15 players will be encouraged to attend an umpiring and scoring course before the start of the season. They will then be asked to help score in a range of junior and senior matches through the season. They will be paid for this as has been the case in previous seasons.
If there is a sufficiently large pool of players the club will field Under 11 and Under 9 teams in the 2010 season.
A second Under 13 team will also be formed (providing player numbers remain as they were in 2009) to allow as many players as possible to experience match cricket.
For the last two goals to be realised there has to be the most far-reaching change in the way the club’s junior section is run.
The club must adopt ECB best practice for the running of junior teams. This means that the current system where each of the teams has one person acting as coach, selector and manager will end.
All junior teams in summer 2010 will be run by a team formed by club members in partnership with parents who will assist with the organising and running of each junior team.
This last point is by far the most important change and requires support from parents in all age groups however it is a proven system that has been adopted by many other cricket clubs and it is vital if our club’s junior section is to improve and thrive. A draft template has been drawn up which gives an outline to how it is structured. If you’d like more information on how you can help then please contact Richard Fretwell, Stuart Collins or Andrew Carroll.
Many thanks.
Cheshire Cricket Coaching
Cheshire Cricket Development are now taking applications for the first block of their winter training programme. These autumn courses are OPEN TO ALL players, 8 -15, no matter what their experience. Many HBCC players have been on these courses, they are well run, fun and can lead to being invited on further courses offered by the county. A great way to keep your cricket going during the winter. Click here for a pdf application form containing dates and costs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
One-2-One Coaching
For the first time the club are able to offer all members, junior and senior, the opportunity to have one-2-one coaching with professional coaches.
Alex Robinson, Dan Atkinson and Paul Taylor are all experienced ECB qualified coaches working at Lancashire CC's Indoor Cricket Centre. They are now offering their services at Hale Barns Cricket Club at special rates for club members.
This is a great opportunity to improve your cricketing skills under the guidance of a professional coach. You can book any number of 1hr sessions to work on whatever part of the game you wish. This offer is open to all players of any age and any experience.
All sessions will take place at the club at a time convenient to you and your coach. So if you're looking to take your skills onto that next level, build your confidence or try your hand at a new part of the game then now's your chance.
Sessions can be booked directly with the coaches:
Alex: 07846687177
Dan: 07590474328
Paul: 07944471805
A Cry For Help
The Under 11s need you!
The junior coaches are looking for some help from parents in helping stage some U11 matches over the next few weeks. These players need plenty of support on match days and a solitary coach can't do that properly. We need parents to help out with logistics and player support. Without your help the games can’t go ahead so if you’re able to help with any aspect of running the team please see Stuart as soon as possible (no cricket knowledge or expertise necessary - promise!), alternatively use the contact form on this website to offer your services. Many thanks
Hale Barns C.C. has a thriving Junior Section of about 80 boys and girls. There are three teams playing in the South Manchester Junior League at Under 13 and Under 15 levels, Under 9s and U11s play ad-hoc friendly games through the summer. Once players reach 16 they are encouraged to progress into the 3rd XI senior team and upwards where the length of game is more suitable for their talents.
During the summer, training for U9s to U13s every Wednesday 6pm - 8pm at Brooks Drive. Training for U15s every Thursday 6pm - 8pm.
All coaching is designed and supervised by ECB qualified coaches.
Hale Barns CC's Junior section is open to all boy's and girls, no experience of playing the game is necessary and provide all necessary kit for younger players too. If you would like more information about joining Hale Barns CC please see the Membership page on this website or contact us online
