Season 2024-25 unveiled a whole new frontier in the Cricket Shepparton youth district.
Taking a first step into gauging the level of interest among young girls in having a bat or bowl, a series of sessions took place over the summer encouraging the potential next generation to try their hands.
Led by organiser Andrew Hawker, himself the father of a talented junior within Shepparton Youth Club United’s women’s side, the concept gathered interest from around the region as girls took their chance to get out and play.
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Kiara Mututantirige, 9, scurries down the pitch. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 10
Aleysha Bailey, 10, looks to mash one. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 10
Lara Saxon, 13, gets active in the field. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 10
Harriet Newham, 9, swings freely. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 10
Alyssa Stratton, 8, rolls the arm over. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 10
Imogen Harris, 8, chucks it down the pitch. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 10
Maya Mututantirige, 10, takes off between the wickets. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 10
Bonnie Mackenzie, 9, has a crack with the bat. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 10
Evie Dalton, 12, practices her bowling motion. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 10
Matilda Eddy, 10, comes in with a head of steam. Photo by Rechelle Zammit“It was definitely a success,” Hawker said.
“We had 43 names registered over the five rounds we conducted at an average turnout of about 16 for each session.
“We had official scoring, and we’ll have a presentation day in the near future to award most runs, most wickets and a couple of coaches’ awards as well.
“The feedback from parents and participants has been amazing. They like the isolation of girls playing against girls, and that was the feeling we wanted.
“We’ve had a representative team come out of the youth girls’ competition as well, feeding into Northern Rivers last year, and the skill level has been amazing.”
It goes without saying, of course, that there is every intention of bringing it back bigger and better next year.
One of the goals in season 2025-26, however, will be the introduction of more official club identities — if they put their hands up.
“This has clearly identified a gap we need to fill,” Hawker said.
“The next step will be forming an official committee to launch a competition where club-land somehow picks up some teams.
“We need key stakeholders from those clubs to say they want to do it.
“The end game, though, is having fun and I give a massive thank you to the parents who travelled from places like Euroa and Kyabram, as it takes their involvement as well.
“There was a lot of cheering going on over on the sidelines, and that helps build the environment we want.”