Cricket08, which is part of the Keep Cricket Strong in Schools campaign, will see 97 international and first class players visiting 126 schools throughout the country on Wednesday (October 15).
CRICKET08 will once again profile cricket as a game and acknowledge the significant contribution schools and individuals make to growing and sustaining the game and developing players.
‘Cric-ulum day’ provides a great opportunity for schools to launch the cricket season and is an ideal chance to promote participation in sport, and cricket in particular, and the need for children to be physically active.
BLACKCAP Jacob Oram was delighted to be involved last season as it gave him an opportunity to return to the place he developed his love for the game.
“School cricket was a massive stepping stone for me in my development as it gave me a chance to pit my skills against my peers, as well as learning vital behaviours like discipline, sacrifice and goal setting,” he said.
“However, the most important thing that I got from school cricket was enjoyment. Playing with my school mates was a massive source of fun and enjoyment for me and I made some great friends during this time.
“A couple of cricket coaches had massive influences on me when I was at school and played a part in shaping the player I was then, and the player I am now. They each taught me different skills and behaviours and because they became ingrained in my cricket mindset from an early age, they have never left me.”
White Ferns Nicola Browne and Sara McGlashan were also involved in 2007 and will be again in 2008.
Browne, recently nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Year, said: “For me, school is where my cricket started and why I took up the sport.
“So in that case, it has been very important in my development. It is where I learnt the rules and basic skills and tactics of the game. I started in Form 3 and at the end of Form 7 I had made the White Ferns, so my whole development phase took part while at school.”
McGlashan added: “Playing cricket at primary school was a great way for me to learn the basic skills of the game in a fun and friendly environment. This then allowed me to compete in backyard cricket with my older brother and through playing cricket at school and home my passion for the game was sparked.”
For more information on CRICKET08, visit BLACKCAPS.co.nz or contact your local cricket association.
KEY POINTS
- Of the currently registered 100,000 cricketers in New Zealand, all or most have at some stage played at or for their school.
- About 50% of that number currently play cricket in a primary, intermediate or secondary school team.
- The national schools’ competitions cater for 804 school teams or around 9600 players.
- Gillette Cup [secondary school senior boys]
- New Zealand Community Trust Cup [secondary school girls]
- New Zealand Community Trust Cup [secondary school junior boys]
- MILO Cup [primary school boys]
- MILO Shield
- Many dedicated teachers and parents make a significant impact on aspiring players as coaches and administrators
- New Zealand Cricket through its Major and District Cricket Associations has implemented a wide range of development initiatives in schools to encourage youngsters to play and stay in the game [see attached information sheet for details]
Further information: John Durning, Acting Public Affairs Manager, NZC, ph 021-531-194
