HKCA to run three-month cricket development program for Asian Games recruits

On Saturday 19th December the HKCA organised an open recruitment day for potential women cricketers, primarily targeting younger participants and holders of HKSAR passports, with two distinct objectives. The principal one is to broaden the base of women's cricket in Hong Kong and at the same time to expand the pool of players who would be eligible to represent Hong Kong in next year's Asian Games.

After some extensive publicity through the other sporting disciplines, universities and schools we had over 50 participants turn up at the Kai Tak ground where they were exposed to a number of basic drills, aimed to be as much about fun as being a tool to identify potential talent. This went off very successfully and was well coordinated by the HKCA coaches and other volunteer assistants.

Already the HKCA have had a number of approaches from athletes who are interested in trying a new sport, but have not yet been available. It has therefore been decided that the HKCA will run a 3 month cricket development program for as many of these girls who continue their interest and commitment. This will start on the afternoon of the 28th December 2009 at 1430 hrs at the Kai Tak ground, and then on Wednesday / Friday evenings and Sunday mornings through until the end of March, at which time the situation will be reviewed to consider the way forward to integrate with the more experienced players for preparation of the Asian Games. Until then their training will be separately organized by the HKCA.

Obviously we will expect some who came along to drop out and the HKCA will continue to attract new talent to join the group. During the 3-month preliminary training programme, there will be coordinated coaching / training at each session. We would need help from volunteers, those who have a coaching certificate will be very welcome. We will in due course organize games for these girls and will need help from experienced players to play against them.

Should you have a coaching certificate and are interested to help, please kindly contact Mr Healthy Wong at HKCA. He can be contacted on 25048123 or healthy@crick-kid.com.