Northern Districts junior high performance co-ordinator Peter Zanzottera said the Northern Districts Road Show was all about supporting local cricketers and coaches. "It is a new initiative. It probably has been done informally in the past but we have put a name to it and made it part of our junior high performance programme."
He said they were visiting and holding training sessions in regions as far away as Northland and Gisborne.
Zanzottera said it was less about taking over and more about supporting local coaches and programmes. "We are spending a bit of time with the best young players and a bit of time with the coaches," he said.
"I think we are lucky there are such a good number of high quality coaches around like Dave [Richardson]."
He said cricket coaching in Rotorua was the strongest it had been in a long time.
Zanzottera and fellow high performance coach Cliff Dickinson also made themselves available on Monday evening for local coaches to ask questions and learn new techniques.
Scott, 14, said he enjoyed the session. "[They've told me to] look to get my elbow high when I am bowling."
The junior cricket season starts in Rotorua early next month. Parents can still register their children to play and can sign up through their school, online at www.sportsground.co.nz/rotoruaca or by contacting Dave Richardson on 027 580 0149.
The Northern Districts Road Show only visits Rotorua once this year but is expected to return again next year.
Organisers said Black Caps legend Lance Cairns was involved with the programme but could not make it on Monday due to other commitments.
