Wollongong Cricket Club has put the call out to all parents hoping to see their kids spend more time outdoors and less time playing video games.
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Come and play cricket.
“This is our answer to put an end to Fortnite,” Wollongong Cricket Club president Andrew Maher said.
“Cricket is a great way to meet new friends. It’s a bit different to other sports, it’s played over a longer period of time and gives kids an opportunity to become friends, as opposed to other sports where you’re there for an hour and then you're gone.
“Cricket also gives kids a chance to play a different sport in summer and it helps kids try new things. If nothing else, it will get them off Fortnite.”
The club held the first of its junior cricket come and try days on Saturday morning at North Dalton Park and while it was affected by the weather, Maher said the children in attendance had a great time.
“The rain affected the day a little bit, but for those who were here, they enjoyed themselves and we’re hoping to see even more people down on Saturday for our second trial day.”
The second trial day will be held this Saturday at North Dalton Park at 11am, with a barbecue to follow at 12.30.
The club is targeting boys and girls of all ages, with a specific focus on those aged five to ten to take part in Cricket Australia’s re-branded Cricket Blast program.
“We are trying to increase the number of girls playing. They have a professional league now, so there is a real opportunity for young girls to make a career in cricket.”
The modified Junior Blaster and Master Blaster programs attempt to introduce children to the sport in a fun and friendly environment.
Kids make use of different bat sizes, wickets and fields to learn the skills of the sport at an age-appropriate level.
“The Junior Blasters is about learning the skills, it’s just an hour and a half on Saturdays or one day during the week. Master Blaster is about learning the game and playing games against other clubs. From there the kids move into under 11s and onward, but our focus this season is really on the younger children.”