Our Under 16s - we need YOU

We have been very pleased with the response to the new online registration system, especially by this year's U16s.

Last year’s U16 group made the grand final last season, losing only in the last overs of the second day. Almost all of that team are still eligible to play U16 again this year. They will also be joined by the majority of last year’s U14 team, who themselves won the U14 flag the previous year

When we add new players coming to the club and others who are already rejoining, it looks like it will be a very strong year for U16 cricket at Moonee Valley CC.

I am pleased to announce that Channa Da Silva and I will be coaching the U16s in season 2019-2020. Channa has a host of experience coaching juniors and is also the wicketkeeper/batsman for the club Firsts.

We have already been working on training arrangements for this season, in conjunction with the club seniors coach Tony Gleeson. Training for U16s will be integrated with seniors’ training on Tuesday nights (something that was started but not fully realised last season), with U16 training starting at 5pm. As we understand that some players will have other school and sport commitments, there will also be the option to be involved in seniors training on Thursday nights.

We also look forward to the players being able to get experience playing for senior teams on weekends.  A number of U16 and U14 players tried this last season with great success for themselves and the Club, and it gives them the opportunity to grow as cricketers.

At this stage we will definitely have one U16 team but ideally we will have two, one for the more experienced players and one for the first year U16s who will play in a lower division. This will also give the best chance for all players to get the most out of their cricket and get the balance right of playing for enjoyment and with their mates.

To that end, the Club will provide an extra recruiting incentive - for every new player brought to the club in U16s, the family or player who provides the introduction will get a further $50 rebate off their subs.

Channa, Tony and I look forward to seeing you all once we commence training on 3 September.

Go Valleys!

Peter Pickering

ph.0414800145