PHOTO: Club President Ben McNiven (left) and Ophir Hotel Deputy Manager Tom Wilson with juniors Henry Chiarella (second from left) and Paddy Penberthy-Neil.
With the generous assistance of sponsors, players and supporters, along with the NSW Government’s Active Kids Vouchers, Orange CYMS Cricket Club will be able to help at least 15 junior cricketers play for free this season.
The club’s major sponsor, the Ophir Hotel, is providing subsidies of $50 to 15 families whose children play in the club’s competitive junior teams in the Orange District Junior Cricket Association (ODJCA).
Coupled with an Active Kids Voucher, valued at $100 and available to all NSW-based children, a $50 subsidy means the registration cost of $150 for kids playing in the ODJCA’s competitive age groups – under-11s through to under-16s - can be 100 per cent covered.
Registration for the Junior Blasters (ages 5-7) or Master Blasters (ages 7-10) programs costs $100, which the Active Kids Voucher covers entirely. These programs are designed to develop basic cricket skills through drills and modified games, with all equipment provided.
The club has also collected a stock of new and great condition junior cricket gear to give to new juniors players or those in need, which will further help families to minimise the costs associated with playing. Past and present players have donated helmets, bats, kit bags, batting pads and batting gloves which the club will distribute to those players that require them.
Orange CYMS Cricket Club President Ben McNiven said the club was making every effort to ensure as many keen young cricketers could take to the field this summer as possible.
“Lots of parents love the idea of their kids playing junior sport but unfortunately the cost is a hurdle they struggle to overcome, now more than ever,” he said.
“This assistance is centred on removing that obstacle for families so that kids who want to play cricket this season can without the expense of registrations and equipment.
“I want to thank Tim [Ireson, Ophir Licensee], who offered us the $50 subsidies without the club asking. He is committed to supporting our club and helping these kids to keep active and enjoy themselves through organised sport.”
PHOTO: Ben and henry Chiarella with some of the junior cricket kit bags they donated to the club.
The club is asking parents and guardians to indicate their interest in the subsidies during the registration process and will allocate them to 15 families through a random draw closer to the start of the season.
McNiven also thanked the past and present players who have provided the much-needed junior equipment, sometimes at their own expense.
“It’s a frustration for many parents that their kids outgrow their cricket gear from season to season, but this also means that there is great junior bats, helmets and pads in garages and sheds,” he said.
“We want to try to get that unused equipment into the hands of kids who could use it, and our past and present players and supporters have responded with some great donations.
“There’s also been some people purchase new gear for these kids. Just to name two, Ben Chiarella and Lan Snowden both bought about five brand new junior kit bags each. We’re very grateful and we’re sure the kids will be too.”
PHOTO: Doug Snowden, son of Lan Snowden, in one of the junior kit bags his father donated to the club.
Registrations for Orange CYMS Cricket Club’s Junior Blasters and Master Blasters programs, as well as competitive junior cricket, are now open here.
All programs and competitions will begin the week commencing Monday 10 October.
Days, times and venues of games are as follows:
Junior Blasters: 4.30pm-5.30pm on Mondays, Wade Park
Master Blasters: 4.30pm-6pm on Thursdays, venue unknown but will be in Orange
Under-11s: 4.30pm-6.30pm on Thursdays, various venues in or close to Orange
Under-12s to Under-16s: 8.30am-12.30pm on Saturdays, various venues in or close to Orange
Children aged 14 years and older can also play for CYMS in the Centenary Cup competition played on Saturday afternoons. While this is competitive senior cricket, it is aimed at helping younger players find their feet playing against adults.
Anyone seeking more information is encouraged to email cyms.cricket@gmail.com
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