Forum

Neale

I dont see why you have decided to align your comments towards my club when discussing this matter, I was merly offering my own personal opinion, gleaned from previous experiences. Indeed I hold no position within our current youth structure, except that of a supporter who watches and encourages when possible.

However Armagh C.C is and always will be totally committed to providing and encouraging youth cricket and has always punched above its weight in all competitions, a committment we are currently making with no professional coach or paid "development officers"

But to pretend cricket is thriving at any level is pulling the wool over our eyes.

Sad to see the withdrawal of PSNI from League Section 3. Made and played with a lot of good friends at Newforge over the years. Hopefully you guys will get back soon. Good luck with the rest of your season in midweek and Twenty20..

RE: RYAN McCARTER

As regards the thinking behind the increase in cricket, this was published in general terms in various websites. It was then provided in written form to all clubs. The NCU then held a roadshow to which all clubs were invited. This consisted of a presentation, discussion stage and question and answer session. In the event the proposed changes to the league structure was agreed unanimously by those present. Whilst there was generally a good turnout sadly there was no representation from some clubs including Armagh CC. If the editor will permit I have copied the 'flyer' below:-
YOUTH CRICKET
PROPOSED CHANGES
The Youth Committee has recently met to consider a number of issues that have been raised regarding cricket at under age level. In short:-
• That there is too little competitive cricket
• That teams are discouraged from entering competition or remaining in competitions if they find they are ‘out of their depth’
• That the NCU representative teams are not as competitive as they once were
• That the league system has become somewhat ‘stale’
• The perennial problem regarding the different age group qualification in the NCU as compared with the rest of Ireland.
We have taken the views of league officials, team coaches, interested parents and representative coaches. This was by no means everyone with an interest in or input into youth cricket. Nevertheless it has allowed us to put together an outline plan for the future of the youth game –
1. A new entry level league for ‘new’ teams, returning teams, ‘B’ teams and teams who would benefit from playing at an entry level – likely to consist of around 8-10 teams.
2. Current regional-based structure to remain for 2012 – likely to consist of 4 groups of 5 teams with 8 league matches on a home and away basis. (20 teams)
3. A system of relegation/promotion for 2013 and thereafter – with a definite aim to reduce the first division to 16 teams (two sections of 8 teams) with similar numbers in the second division.
4. Teams from both divisions in the Graham Cup.
5. League age qualification to remain as is – the school year.
6. Graham Cup age qualification to change to the September 1st date as with the rest of Ireland.
It is hoped to introduce a number of changes this season particularly in relation to under 15 cricket, with the intention of rolling out the new format to under 11 and under 13 cricket the following season. Therefore this meeting should be of interest to those involved in ALL age groups.
With this in mind we would invite everyone with an interest in the future of the youth game in the NCU to attend a meeting at Derriaghy CC on 6th December at 8pm.
It is important to emphasise the ‘outline plan’ is not ‘set in stone’. We are genuinely anxious to not only inform but to be informed, and will very much welcome your views.
NCU - YOUTH COMMITTEE

I'm afraid the existing system was not meeting the needs and challenges of club, players and the NCU. It was 'broke'.

The changes have already resulted in a greater number of teams participating.

Senior cricket may have reduced in the number of games - but are you seriously suggesting 8 league matches over an entire summer is "too much" cricket.

In making the changes we have provided the opportunity for greater inclusion, competition and participation.It is up to the clubs as to whether or not they take this opportunity. I would suggest if a club sees youth cricket as an inconvenience they will not. However,if they see the youth as an asset to be developed then I believe they will grasp same.

Some good comments lately Ivan, personally i would like to see clubs facilities and grounds improved before they are allowed to spend10s of thousands on overseas or local player payments, although i realise this would be impossible to govern.
Having recently retired from senior cricket i have had the privilege of playing or visiting many clubs throughout ireland over the last 35 years and have noticed that many clubs grounds, bar, toilet and changing facilities are totally unacceptable, yet these clubs don't seem to have a problem in paying out 10 to 20k per year on an overseas player plus others.
Progression in a club's facilities are vital for crickets future, anyone looking to know how it should be done take a visit to a little village called Waringstown some Saturday afternoon.

Interested to read the varied musings on Youth Cricket in the NCU area. It seems there are more and more distractions at this time of year (revision) making it hard to field teams let alone travel to away games, unfortunately this is devaluing many cup competitions.

I would like to know the thinking behind playing more U15 league cricket- if its not broke dont fix it, the previous league format worked well for as long as I can remember. Which is in direct contrast to what is being done at the top level of our game (Premier league, less teams, less matches) Play the regional league as it was, winners progressing to knock-out stages, introduce a League Cup as well as the Graham Cup.

Schools cricket is also struggling so the problems faced are not unique to clubs.

Neale , yes junior teams are thriving which is the backbone of clubs and cricket. i personally have been againest PROS from day one but will hold my hands up and say without us getting one we would not be were have reached coaching in 6 primary schools in both communities and under 11/13/15 teams in leagues /cups and we now have two excellent parents who have done level two exams and without their help we would be stuck . Dundrum is like most junior clubs trying to rebuild the structures in securing the next generation of cricketers as is most clubs i no so fair play all involved and we hope to get at least 6 trained coaches for 2014. Id love see the 11/13/15 fixtures next year arranged for wed/thur/fri in book then let the clubs change them if suits both as far too many parents and kids are involved with same teams and parents that drive cant be with both teams on same night.

Thanks Neale. You know we all love stats.
A lot of people work hard to develop youth cricket around the clubs with little recognition so well done to them. As for retired cricketers I feel if your heart is in the game you will never leave it although when Ivan was talking about that sweet spot I first thought of my new R11 driver and the ball whistling down the fairway! It was only when I took up golf that I got the ball to do what I wanted. Unfortunately not as often as I would like.

Clarence - thanks for putting me on the spot about stats!

There are currently 106 youth teams competing in the NCU from under 11 to colts. In 2010 there were 102. There is also an increased number of fixtures. Next year with the re-organisation of under 13 league cricket we are hoping for further expansion as the plan is to make it more attractive for traditionally weaker teams to enter a competition where they can participate on a competitive level with the prospect of promotion for stronger clubs.

In other words more cricket AND MORE IMPoRTANTLY - more meaningful cricket

In addition the initiative led by Nigel Jones for girl's cricket will hopefully increase involvement in that area. Although some of the girls are more than holding their own in boy's cricket already.

I would take the opportunity to echo Ivan's plea for as many 'oldies' to remain involved as possible - without coaches, experience and indeed drivers we cannot maximise the opportunities for our kids - and the talent out there is staggering.

Thanks Neale. Excellent points that bring a balance to this debate. Interesting last comment on more players at youth/schools level as comments to the contrary are often made by forumites perhaps not as close to the action as yourself. Are there stats available as we should highlight this positive trend?

Dear all

Just to invite anyone interested……………

You are welcome to attend Templepatrick Cricket Club’s Under 11 Blitz day for players P1 up to P7 (boys and girls ) at our ground on Sunday 27th May 2012

Matches get underway at 1pm and will be finishing at around 3pm

TCC will be playing against the visiting clubs - Instonians CC, CIYMS CC and Lurgan CC.
All clubs are providing approx 60 young boys and girls aged from 4 to 11 years old and we are greatly indebted to these clubs for joining us in this venture which really adopts the mini rugby format.

There will be 14 matches on the go at once, as well as catering, bouncy castle and face painting and family friendly ethos catering for fun participation in cricket.

Maybe see you there !!

Regards
Andy McCrea
TCC Cricket Development Officer

I had the pleasure of watching the NCU U17 side take on a southern XI yesterday at Muckamore. Great game to watch and well done boys on a deserved victory...... My reason for the post is just to say a big thanks to the club for their hospitality. As a parent and general supporter of many of these games over the years both in Ireland and abroad, it is always appreciated when a Club makes an effort to welcome those visiting particularly when they may have travelled quite a distance (not just from Holywood !). Pleasant chat around the boundary, tea, coffee and biscuits on tap and welcoming presence in the bar.... A great example to other clubs hosting these type of games...." well done and thanks to all concerned. Ground looking great by the way.

In the current climate when we struggle to attract umpires to our local game what do the local press do. Publicly lambast the decision of two umpires (after the input of the captains and groundsman im lead to believe) to call a game off when the overhead conditions seemed to effectively disregard the underfoot conditions. Makes me wonder what would have happened and who would have been accountable for a serious injury to a player. I remember attending a game last year at eaton park when a certain player approached an umpire to enquire as to who he should bill for the dry cleaning of his whites. It's bad enough with the un- educated rumblings on twatter, excuse me twitter but im pretty sure with press like this, there will be plenty of spaces on the winter umpiring courses for the forseeable future.

YOUTH CRICKET
Would like to respond to some of the comments made in relation to youth cricket in the forum recently.
Firstly, very few of the Graham Cup matches have been awarded because of inability to field teams. It is co-incidental that 2 have been awarded to Muckamore. I was apprised of the reasons for same by both Graeme Hunter and Wesley Best - these were entirely beyond their control.
Secondly, both Graeme and Wesley have been two of NCU youth cricket's staunchest supporters and hardest workers. Lurgan have an enviable record in youth cricket and Laurevale have made great strides under Wesley's guidance, culminating in winning the league last season. I hope whatever offence taken is short lived and they continue their hard work. We need individuals of this calibre involved in youth cricket.
Thirdly, the dates of the Graham Cup are set to try and complete the competition within the school term - to avoid the final etc being devalued by loss of players on holidays - the 12th fortnight remains the optimum holiday period in the NCU area.
Fourthly, in re-organising the leagues there are considerably more fixtures at under 15 level than in previous seasons. On the downside this does put more pressure on dates but we want as much meaningful cricket as possible.
Fifthly (and you will be pleased - lastly) there are in fact more teams playing youth cricket in the NCU than ever.
To everyone involved - thank you for your continued commitment,keep up the hard work AND READ THE REGULATIONS!

Somewhat strange that the most successful NCU team for the last 13 years does not have any representative in the North squad, not even a coach or manager, North Down must have been doing it all wrong...

How can we banish the term walkover from scorecards up and down the country ?
A couple of years ago I sat on a Junior Taskforce aimed at arresting the number of unfulfiled matches. We brainstormed, we meet with clubs, players etc and we made the changes that seemed to be what the majority wanted. Less overs, open leagues etc.
At the time I just had a doubt if were targeting the right people. I thought then and I think now we need to find out "why aren't people playing cricket?".
I think we focus a lot on youngsters when I think the real problem may be the "oldies". I am fortunate to play at a club which can call on at least a dozen guys over 40 years of age still keen to play week in , week out at 1sts, 2nds, 3rds or 4ths level. I also think we have as many talented young players as most clubs but their development hasbeen helped by playing alongside us veterans. A quiet word in the ear about the line to bowl, about field placings , about watching what a batsman does, about not panicking when you play a few dot balls etc all really help with player development.
As I go around clubs playing and now occassionally umpiring or just spectating I hear and see the same issues. Players aren't putting anything back. Of course their are exceptions like Alan Waite, Garfield Harrison, Billy Adams, Neil Fullerton, Billy Dale, Esler Burke etc but it's getting down to one or two per club and that's not going to develop our game.
It's more than driving the car, it's passing on knowledge, and maybe more importantly a "love of the game" and introducing the importance of competing hard and fair.
Development at the top end of our game is at an all time high but we are struggling at lower levels. Cricket Ireland want to treble numbers playing in the next 5 years. I think every club needs to see what can be done to keep people playing longer. Take it from me there is no greater joy in cricket than taking part. When you hit one of the sweet spot or get the ball to do what you wanted it to do it doesn't matter if you are a teenager or an oldie it feels great. The aches and pains the next few days are worth it. Imagine how painful it must be for those that can't or won't do it and then see walkover beside your clubs name.