Sunbury United Cricket Club is encouraging more kids to give cricket a crack next season after the club’s junior registrations dropped significantly during the pandemic.
The club was only able to field two junior sides last season, with a total of 24 registered players, less than half of the 60 kids they’d signed up in previous years.
To encourage more juniors to get involved, the club has slashed its registration fee from $120 to $50, with a club T-Shirt and hat included in the fee.
Sunbury United vice-president Daniel Furnell said it was particularly important for kids to be active and social after lockdown restrictions limited community activities.
“We’re trying to keep costs as minimal as possible, because we know how many people have been through financial hardship and we don’t want there to be anything stopping people that might want to get out and play cricket,” Furnell said.
“The club was really affected by the lockdown, junior cricket particularly. The restrictions meant that we couldn’t use the change rooms, give one-on-one coaching, or allow parents to stay on and help.
“Changing our junior fees by more than 50 per cent is going to be a bit of a financial hit for the club, but it’s worth it to get more kids involved at the club.”
Established in 1973, Sunbury United now fields senior and junior teams within the Gisborne District Cricket Association, with its home ground located at Langama Park.
Having been involved with Sunbury United for more than 10 years as a junior and senior player, Furnell said there are many benefits to giving cricket a shot.
“It’s not just a physical thing, but also a mental health thing as well,” he said.
“A significant portion of my closest friends have come through the sporting club.”
The cricket season is scheduled to begin in October, with a club registration day to be announced soon.
Details: www.facebook.com/groups/sunburyunitedcc Contact: sunburyunitedcricketclub@gmail.com
Or call Darren on: 0405 302 525
Oliver Lees
