Article written by Tahlie Gavin
One Club cricket training night for the ages
On Tuesday, November 26th, the Western District Cricket Club organised their Fourth Annual One Club Training event, an amazing opportunity to ignite all levels of the club to promote the much-loved sport of cricket amongst their senior and junior clubs.
“Our One Club Training event provides a great opportunity for both senior and junior players“ said Ryan Selmes, Club President.
“Our senior players get to see the talent coming through our junior ranks, and our junior girls and boys get to see our senior players in action”.
A great afternoon supported by the club’s partner, Loan Market Canberra, saw the junior players take part in a number of training activities run and mentored by members of the senior club. To finish off the great afternoon, a barbeque was provided for all to bring everyone together.
“The kids absolutely love it. What I’ve had fed back to me is that it makes you feel like part of a bigger thing. Also, its lots of fun,” said Michael Groenhout, Wests Juniors Communications Manager.
“The reason why is we just saw the importance of showing the junior kids the opportunity to become senior elite players who are really just big kids having lots of fun as well on a weekend; and also connect the senior club with the reason that they all wanted to play cricket originally, which is that sort of grassroots level, and seeing kids laugh and have fun.”
Current West’s Junior (Stage 2, Division 1 Player) William Groenhout, expressed to Cricket ACT why he loves the One Club Training Night as well as the game of cricket.
“It’s great because you know it includes all of the grades, so it involves players from all the way from stage one up to seniors together.
“It is good because the seniors can give you all their tips from all of their years of experience.”
“I like batting more, but I’m probably more successful as a bowler.”
“My favourite part is just being in the team. When everyone is close being in a team, when the team is sort of gelling together and we all play well, we all play as mates.” he said.
West’s Senior Men’s Club Coach, Life Member, and West’s Member since 1998, Matt McGann, was the face of the event. Taking the reigns and taking charge of ensuring everyone had the best time possible.
“I think we all started somewhere, right? Everyone started as a junior cricketer and to be able to get the opportunity to give back to junior players that are coming through is really special.”
“The engagement from the senior players has been as exciting. They’re involved, active and participating in the level of drills themselves, but there’s just general excitement when you get around groups of children. You know they’re all looking to learn from the senior players who are here. And I think it’s just a great opportunity for them to have access and to run around and promote healthy lifestyles.”
“Cricket is a lifelong sport.”