Devon Cricket Board - Pens' youth sessions get under way

Pens' youth sessions get under way

THE new junior cricket season starts at Ipplepen with a number of events for children of all ages and abilities throughout April.

The club has established an excellent reputation for the quality of junior coaching, and officials at the Moor Road club are hoping to increase the number of junior members with an improved calendar of activities for youngsters in 2012.

Friday nights will again be the main coaching night for children aged 7-13 years.

Parents will also have the chance to join in the fun on Fridays, as the club will be running games of Easy Cricket- a new ECB initiative using the rules and equipment of Kwik Cricket but adapted for adults.

For the first time, the club are offering a separate girls’ and women’s training night on Mondays.

Ipplepen are hoping to start an U13 girls’ team and a ladies’ team this season, both using soft balls.

The would like any women or girls with an interest in the game to get involved - even if they have never played before.

There will be new opportunities for young children to get involved in cricket activities. Rising Stars will be running Mini Hitter sessions on Saturday mornings. These sessions are aimed at 5-7 year olds, and will act as a stepping-stone to the Friday night club sessions as children get older.

Finally there are daytime activities available during the school Easter Holidays, as Rising Stars are also running three cricket fun days at Ipplepen, which are open to children aged 2-13 and offer a whole day of cricket-based games and matches.

Chris Partridge, the club’s junior chairman, said: “This is definitely going to be the most exciting year for the club and local community, with so many things going on.

“We have qualified cricket coaching available to boys and girls from the age of five upwards, and different types of teams for all ages, ability levels and interests.

“Along with our six hard-ball teams in the South Devon Youth League, we will also be organising some U9s’ Kwik Cricket friendlies and some girls U13s soft-ball matches.

“The message is simple: if you have any interest in cricket no matter what your age, sex or ability level then come along, join in and enjoy being part of a wonderful community sports club.”

There is an opportunity for interested children and parents to find out more when Ipplepen hold an open evening on Thursday, April 12 from 6pm at the Moor Road ground.

Club coaches and officials will be on hand to answer questions, the bar will be open and the barbecue lit.

Children will be able to take part in cricket games and activities with Ipplepen’s team of coaches.

Friday night coaching sessions (7-13) begin on Friday, April 20 from 6.30pm, and girls and women’s coaching (all ages) starts on Monday, April 30 from 6pm with the visit of England lady cricketer Caroline Atkins.

Mini Hitters sessions (5 to 7 years) begin on Saturday, April at 9.30am, and Rising Stars Fun Days (8-13 years) take place on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12, April from 9am-3.30pm daily.

For more information about any Ipplepen CC’s activities, contact Partridge on 07887 513 800 or e-mail risingstars2010@googlemail.com.

Alternatively visit the new Ipplepen website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipplepen/

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