I wanted to provide an update on the 20/21 season for the Rupo U/17s. This year the club will be fielding two teams in the U/17 competition.
This year the club has appointed Joel Muir as the U/17s squad coach.
Joel played in the Rupo first XI last year and also represented the GDCA in the Bendigo country competition bowling in all 5 games. Joel’s strength is his bowling and will bring some welcome knowledge for our stock of young bowlers. Joel will have the responsibility to work with the full U/17 squad during the Tuesday and Thursday training sessions, and will also have the support of the senior coach Andrew Pizaro and Assistant Coach Bert van den Heuvel.
With this appointment there will be no dedicated coaches for each team. A leadership group comprising Joel, the two captains/vice captains and Andrew, will, during the two training session (Tuesday & Thursday) determine the batting /bowling line-up and gameday strategy for each team.
The committee has determined that the best option and in the interest of fairness and playing opportunity is that the two teams will have a mixture of both first year and second year U/17s players.
Both teams will be slightly under strength in numbers (both teams have 9) and with the competition being all one day games it will provide plenty of opportunity for both batting and bowling. The U/17s will again train with the senior squad on both Tuesday and Thursday with center wicket practice being the direction that the club will take in light of the restriction due to COVID.
This will give the two nominated captains an opportunity to practice their game day experience whilst being mentored by senior cricketers.
This cross over between the U/17s and Senior squad is important as many of the boys are very keen to play senior cricket and this will ensue that the club is able to guide these boys through into senior cricket without overloading their work rate in both the junior and senior competitions.
On game day, there is an expectation that the captains will be responsible for the on field activities and that we ask that the parents support this and provide a positive environment for them to learn and grow.
Each team will still require a team manager and additionally a parent who would be prepared to support the captains on game day. This is a mentor management role and should not to be seen as a coach. Once the teams are selected we can finalise the additional parent support
The club is extremely fortunate to have the support of great family community for these boys and although slightly unorthodox, I’m sure that this new approach will bear fruit in the years to come.
Looking forward to a terrific season
Warm Regards
Andrew Bond
Rupo CC
Junior Coordinator
0439556865
