Update on our juniors

Greetings Moonee Valley players and parents,

In these uncertain times of the pandemic it’s difficult to plan with any confidence, but our club is committed to a season of the sport we all love.

It’s hard to provide much information or clarity when the cricket community generally doesn’t have it, but our committee is keen to keep you up-to-date on what we do know and have done.

As you’re probably aware Peter Pickering has stepped down as Junior Co-ordinator after six years in that role, and we thank him for his contribution.

Our juniors succession plan hasn’t come to fruition due to a change in living circumstances, so in the interim the club committee is moving ahead with the season planning.

The North West Metropolitan Cricket Association, where our juniors play has flagged that the season will not be starting on time. Our best guess is a mid-November start, as was the case in 2020/21, but this is all dependent on control of the pandemic.

The NWMCA has also indicated that the junior grades would probably need 1-2 weeks of pre-season training before the season starts.

We can probably get a pointer to what the pre-season will look like from regional Victoria, which is out of lockdown and where small groups of players are able to train. So our next steps will likely be determined by when Melbourne comes out of lockdown.

Moonee Valley has already appointed one of its junior coaches, with Andreas Skiotis indicating his preference to coach our Under 12s – where he was part of the coaching group last season.

We’re working on expressions of interest for the other age groups from within our senior playing group, but welcome any applications from parents or family members as either coaches or team managers. As a past parent who originally became involved in the Moonee Valley Cricket Club through coaching my sons’ teams, I have first-hand experience of how enjoyable this can be.

I would also be happy to discuss the Junior Co-ordinator position or a role on junior committee with any parent interested – feel free to phone me on 0411 705 381.

Moonee Valley’s MyCricket system has been activated to take junior registrations for 2021/22, though it’s not imperative that players sign up until we have more clarity on the season and where it’s heading.

If anyone has any queries or is keen to become involved, please contact me at Charlie.walker@optusnet.com.au or phone me on 0411 705 381.

Graeme “Charlie” Walker.
President, Moonee Valley Cricket Club.