Melbourne Stars bring cricket fun to St John’s

Big Bash powerhouse team the Melbourne Stars paid a visit to St John’s on Thursday, bringing their passion for cricket and community engagement to Euroa. Cricket Manager for the region Stephen Box convened a session filled with games, activities, and a lively Q and A with the Stars’ newest signing, Douglas Warren. Box explained the importance of events like this. “It’s really important we engage the kids and participate and play, and it’s about community cricket and just getting them involved," he said. "We’re lucky today to have Douglas Warren out here, who’s obviously worked his way through, but not every kid’s that fortunate. "They can just have a wonderful time in local communities.” The session encouraged participation from all students, even those not normally involved in cricket. “We ask how many play cricket and who likes cricket," Box said. "Today, we’ve got about 120 kids, and probably half put their hands up. "Looking at them now, most of them have had a really good session and see cricket a bit differently, forming friendships along the way." He also noted the inclusivity of the program. "Normally kids sit out in other games and sports, but I didn’t see any kids sitting down and not playing, so that’s always a good sign.” Box highlighted the pathways available for aspiring cricketers. “Local clubs will have programs for kids to play more cricket. "Entry level programs, like the Blast program for five to seven year-olds, provides bats, giveaways, and a welcoming environment. "Entry points are around $70 to $90 depending on the club. "Once they start playing, local clubs have registration programs. "Cricket, compared to a lot of other sports, is reasonably less expensive, and no kid should miss out.” 'Dougie' Warren, a left arm orthodox bowler who played two Sheffield Shield games last summer, offered advice to aspiring young cricketers. “I’d say keep going at it," he said. "You don’t know how much fun you’re going to have in cricket in the next few years, so enjoy every step of the process.” He stressed that fun and professional drive go hand-in-hand. “If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, it can be pretty hard to get better. "Without fun, there is no cricket for me,” Warren said. He also advised young players to stay level through the ups and downs: “The ups are never as good as they seem, and the downs are never as bad. "Just try to stay steady throughout the whole process.” When asked about recruitment in regional areas, Warren said there was a healthy mix of country and metro players in Victoria’s programs, suggesting opportunities for regional talent were strong. Among the students, Year 6 student James Jackson was thrilled to get his Stars shirt signed. A left arm pace bowler who is in his second year of playing, Jackson has already met players from the Stars at a St Kilda clinic. “I went to the St Kilda program in Melbourne because my brother Walter plays there," James said. "I am aspiring to be a player for Renegades,” he said, with a cheeky nod to a potential future rivalry. Thursday’s visit was more than a clinic but more of a celebration of community, participation, and the joy of cricket.

Melbourne Stars bring cricket fun to St John’s

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