Aligned to the Cricket Wellington Youth Strategy (2020-23), the Emerging Players Programme was developed to ease the transition for students and their families from junior club to college cricket. With the aim of providing students the opportunity to develop socially, cognitively, and physically on their journey.
The aspiration of the programme was to provide participants development opportunities that they may not normally access, irrespective of their existing skill level. Ultimately this programme is motivated by Cricket Wellington’s vision to create outstanding cricket experiences for the people of Wellington. The Emerging Players Programme is not a representative-type programme, nor does it fall under the performance pathway.
A successful pilot ran in the 2019-20 season provided over 30 students of mixed ability the opportunity to learn and develop, keeping them connected to the game and confident as they move into college cricket. In 2020-21 the programme was extended to support 90 students from the Hutt Valley, Northern and Wellington zones.
The hub-styled approached delivering the Emerging Players Programme was a success as it allowed students the opportunity to meet new classmates whilst also maintaining links to their junior clubs. We were lucky enough to have the support of three colleges in the region: Hutt Valley High School, Onslow College and Scots College, who provided access to their facilities.
Our rangatahi were upskilled in power hitting, catching, and throwing, and introduced to mental skills, injury prevention and nutrition. Cricket Wellington would like to thank members of our college community who provided support on the day to run education and skill-based development opportunities for our rangatahi, without your expertise such programmes would cease to exist.
Students and parents have provided feedback that will support Cricket Wellington to continue to provide quality experiences and programmes that are participant focused. Some feedback that was received highlighted the fact that students enjoyed socialising and meeting new people, learning to throw with accuracy, learning how to prevent injuries and fuel their bodies after a long day in the sun. Students are eager to learn and develop their skillset further as they enter college cricket and are receptive to their coaches and peers which is fantastic to see! “I commend Wellington Cricket for organising such an event, and the ambassadors for their time, guidance... and gift-bag they provided to the children. Great work!”
I have enjoyed reading some feedback we have received from parents and coaches following the delivery of the Emerging Players Programme. It is great to hear that our rangatahi are enjoying cricket and excited for the opportunities the year ahead. “Thanks for the cricket day last week at Hutt Valley High... Just letting you know that my son gave it a 9/10 and said it was awesome! So, well done you guys!”, “Thanks again for all that you do especially in the learning and development space.”
I look forward to continuing to deliver such programmes which allow Cricket Wellington to align to Ihi Aotearoa’s Balance is Better campaign and provide our rangatahi the opportunity to learn and develop cricket and life skills that will help them on their individual journeys.
Jaimee Bialy
Cricket Wellington Community Manager - Participation
Article added: Tuesday 09 February 2021
