Over the winter, Paignton CC decided to re-introduce an Under 10 hardball team into their roster of junior teams, having not had the youngest age group in place for over three years.
Having a large softball section running every Friday night, with some of those players competing in Softball Festivals, the challenge was to take players ready for hardball to the next stage. Things started to fall into place when committee member Paul Griffiths volunteered to manage the side.
Winter training was organised initially, the sessions being run by coaches Tim Ward & Jon Russell. A lot of work with the players over the winter concentrated on skills and was conducted with tennis balls, but as the season drew closer, a transition to hardball cricket was required. At this point, Paignton realised that several players didn't have access to pads, helmets, etc. to be able to play the upcoming games, so the committee took the decision to buy kit and a kit bag.
The DCL grant offer was perfect timing for the club, and the speedy turnaround of the application allowed the kit to be purchased in time for the season.
Manager of Paignton's Junior Section, Jon Russell, was pleased with the new team and the grant to help them, saying: "Our youngest age groups are in some way our most important. Whilst we start to work on skills and targeted training, the biggest factor is enjoyment of playing the game. We are thrilled with the grant we received, which has allowed us to purchase new equipment to enable more juniors to take part."
Discretionary Development Grants
Is your club missing out on a Development Grant? Discretionary Development Grants are on offer to all Tolchard Devon Cricket League member clubs, and further details on the scheme may be found at Devon Cricket League Play-Cricket site.
For more information, please contact DCL Grants Manager, Jim Partridge:
