By BRIDGET SCOTT
COUNCIL in partnership with Cricket Victoria have batted down the costs of a local cricket program to boost participation in the sport.
Through Sport and Recreation Victoria, the council received funding from Cricket Victoria which will subsidise 50 per cent of the costs for new participants who join the MILO in2Cricket program.
Crowds gathered at the Marriott Waters Recreation reserve in Lyndhurst on Saturday 6 December to celebrate the funding and see what the program is all about.
The Lyndhurst Cricket Club was one of four to receive funding. The others included Devon Meadows, Endeavour Hills and Kalora Park.
In2Cricket is an entry level participation program for five to eight-year-olds which includes fun, safe activities that teaching children the basic skills to play cricket in a non-competitive environment.
Each player receives a start pack which includes a bat, hat, shirt and a ball to practise their skills.
City of Casey mayor Mick Morland thanked Cricket Victoria for their funding.
“Cricket Victoria provided this funding part of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup legacy program, which aims to increase opportunities for new participants to get involved in the sport,” he said.
“Cricket Victoria identified local government areas where they felt there was a need to grow the game and Casey was one of those areas.”
Councillor Morland said the extra money had helped council identify areas where they would like to grow participation in cricket. He said the partnership would mean it could support up to 140 local kids and help them get their first foot on the pitch.
“This funding has helped council to foster growth in sport and leisure opportunities in Casey and promote physical activity in the Casey community,” he said.
“Since council offered the 50 per cent subsidy at the start of the 2014/15 cricket season, many families have taken up the opportunity and their children are now enjoying the sport each week.”
Cricket Victoria general manager of Game and Market Development Rohan O’Neill said that with the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup hitting out shores in February, the excitement for the season has grown.
“Cricket is truly a game for everyon, and I would like to thank the City of Casey and the Victorian Government for helping to increase participation opportunities for junior cricketers within the area,” he said.
To find out more about registering for one of the clubs in the subsidised program call City of Casey on 9705 5200. To find out more about the In2Cricket program, visit
www.in2cricket.com.au.
