WITH senior teams making strong starts to their summer season of cricket, up-and-coming young cricketers will soon make their way to the pitch.
THE MILO in2 CRICKET programs will kick off in Ballarat and the surrounding areas over the coming weeks for children aged five to 10 years old.
Last year more than 160,000 kids participated in the program, and with 17 cricket clubs offering the program in the local district, boys and girls have many opportunities to get involved in their local area.
Australian Captain Michael Clarke made his way from participating in a similar program to his captaincy of the national team.
"I remember my early cricket days in a junior program like MILO in2CRICKET many years ago," Clarke said.
"The program is the perfect way for boys and girls to get into cricket, have fun and get active. I'd encourage all kids to get out there and give it a go."
Commonwealth Bank Southern Star Ellyse Perry encouraged girls to being giving the program a go as well.
"Each year I see more girls in the MILO in2CRICKET program and it's really exciting to see them loving cricket as much as I do," Perry said.
"The great thing about the program is girls and boys are involved together and have the same opportunity to enjoy it."
Central Highlands Regional Cricket Manager Campbell Waring said the MILO in2CRICKET program grew significantly in the Central Highlands last season and there are plenty of opportunities for local kids to get involved again this year in the Ballarat & district area.
"The enjoyment kids get from the program is obvious and it's a great way for parents to aid their child's physical development in a safe and fun environment," Waring said.
CLUBS AND REGISTRATION DAYS
Bacchus Marsh CC Registration: October, 12. Sessions: Fridays at 5:30pm
Ballan CC Registration: October 19, Sessions: Fridays
Ballarat Redan CC Registration: October 26, Sessions: Fridays at 5:30pm
Buninyong CC Registration: October 31, Sessions: Wednesdays at 4pm
Carngham CC Registration: November 2, Sessions: Fridays at 5pm
Creswick Community in2CRICKET Registration: October 23, Sessions: Tuesdays
Darley CC Registration: October 19, Sessions: Fridays at 5pm
East Ballarat CC Registration: October 23, Sessions: Tuesdays at 5pm
Elaine CC Registration: October 20, Sessions: Fridays at 5:30pm
Golden Point CC Registration: October 16, Sessions: Tuesdays at 4:15pm
Koori in2CRICKET Program Registration: October 17, at Forest Street Primary School Sessions: Wednesdays at 4pm
Mount Clear CC Registration: October 21, Sessions: Sundays at 10:30am
Napoleons-Sebastopol CC Registration: November, 13, Sessions: Tuesdays at 4:30pm
North Ballarat CC Registration: October 18, Sessions: Thursdays at 5pm
Smythesdale CC Registration: November 2, Sessions: Fridays at 5pm
VRI Delacombe CC Registration: October 21, Sessions: Thursdays at 4:30pm
Wendouree CC Registration: October 21, Sessions: Sundays at 10am


