Plan to boost girls' cricket in Rotorua

OWZAT: Rotorua Cricket Association is looking to encourage school-age girls to try the sport. PHOTO/FILE

This week sees a new initiative in Rotorua aimed at boosting the number of female cricketers in the district.

Rotorua Cricket Association will host a six-week programme for Years 5 to 13 girls to give them a taste of the game.

"The programme will start with two weeks of basic skills training such as batting, bowling, fielding and safety, and the remaining four weeks will consist of games that have been shortened to implement the skills training players have received," said association cricket co-ordinator Karen Kyle.

All gear will be provided and a soft cricket ball will be used throughout the programme.

"We want to see more girls playing here and to provide different avenues for girls getting into cricket," said Kyle.

"We'll see how it pans out but we may be able to get a team together, but we would have to travel to areas where there are [girls] competitions.

"I played myself and really enjoyed it and I'm one of those people who believes every child should have the option to try and have a go at any sport."

The first session begins at 5.30pm at Boord Park this Thursday and the programme is free.

For more information email info@rotoruacricket.co.nz or call Kyle on 027 247 9048.