Wed Sep 25 04:40:04 UTC 2024: ## Local Cricket Leagues Team Up to Boost Female Participation

**Cranbourne, Victoria –** In a major push to increase female participation in junior cricket, the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) and the Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) have announced a groundbreaking reciprocal agreement.

This agreement allows clubs from both leagues to compete in each other’s competitions, giving young girls access to more opportunities to play cricket. The DDCA competition will be held on Wednesday nights, while the CCCA competition will be held on Monday nights.

The DDCA will maintain a traditional format with teams separated by age, while the CCCA is implementing a revolutionary approach for the 2023-24 season. This approach features two stages: an initial stage with a minimum of seven players per team using soft balls, followed by a second stage for more advanced players using hard balls.

This modern format aims to attract teenaged girls by removing the pressure of competing against players of varying skill levels and ages. It also provides a platform for advanced players to excel and potentially reach representative cricket.

The CCCA expects several clubs to field teams in the upcoming season, including Clyde (two teams), Avengers, Officer, Upper Beaconsfield, Merinda Park, and possibly Carlisle Park.

The DDCA will offer hard and soft ball competitions for under-14s and under-16s girls, and a soft ball competition for under-12s.

Clyde Cricket Club is particularly committed to female participation, with plans to enter three teams into competition. The club has invested heavily in equipment and waived registration fees and playing attire costs, while their coaches, Ben Knowles and William Round, have both completed level one coaching courses.

“It’s all about keeping it short, sharp, fun, and competitive,” said Knowles, who serves as the female cricket coordinator at Clyde. He highlighted the need to keep young players engaged and emphasized the importance of the new agreement in growing participation and sponsorship.

Both the CCCA and DDCA are committed to inclusivity, with all junior competitions being mixed, providing additional opportunities for female players.

Read More