WITH junior cricket booming in the Seymour District Cricket Association, Tallarook is looking to get more opportunities to their cricketers by offering free registration for juniors in 2026/27.
The club will field Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 teams this season, alongside a Cricket Blast program and an Under 12 all-girls cricket league team.
Junior club registration will be free, with families only required to pay the compulsory Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia levies.
Tallarook Cricket Club president Mitch Itter said the initiative was designed to make junior cricket as accessible as possible for local families.
“We know the cost of living is putting pressure on families, so we want to remove as many barriers as we can and give every kid the opportunity to play cricket at Tallarook,” he said.
“Junior registration with the club is completely free this season, with families only needing to cover the compulsory Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia levies.”
The club enters the new season with plenty of momentum, with its Under 13s coming off two consecutive undefeated seasons.
While proud of that on-field success, Mr Itter said the club’s focus remained on providing a highly inclusive environment where players of all abilities could enjoy their cricket and develop their skills.
“Our junior program is in a really strong position. Our Under 13s have gone through the past two seasons undefeated, but just as importantly we’ve created an environment where kids of all abilities feel welcome and enjoy coming to the club,” Mhe said.
“We genuinely believe we have some of the best junior coaches in the region, and they put an enormous amount of time into helping every player improve, regardless of where they are starting from.”
Tallarook has long prided itself on being a family club, with its junior program providing an opportunity for children and their families to become part of the broader club community.
Junior players also benefit from the involvement of experienced senior cricketers, providing young players with mentors and a pathway through the grades as they develop.
The expansion of Tallarook’s junior program in 2026-27 means there will be opportunities for children across a broad range of ages and experience levels.
“This season we’ll have Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s, Cricket Blast for our youngest players and an Under 12 all-girls team, so there is a place at Tallarook for just about any young person who wants to give cricket a go,” he said.
The Cricket Blast program will introduce younger children to cricket in a fun and welcoming environment, while the Under 12 all-girls team will provide a dedicated opportunity for girls to play alongside their peers.
Mr Itter said previous cricket experience was not necessary, with the club encouraging children who had never played before to come along and get involved.
“We want Tallarook to be a place where kids make friends, grow in confidence and love coming to cricket each week. If they become great cricketers along the way, that’s a bonus,” he said.
“The message to parents is simple: if your son or daughter is thinking about cricket, bring them down to Tallarook.
“It doesn’t matter whether they’ve played for years or have never picked up a bat before — they’ll be welcomed.”
