JUNIORS PRE-SEASON INFORMATION

Information ahead of Round 1.

We're so excited to have you and your family on board for what shapes as one of our biggest junior seasons in recent memory.


This page is your one-stop hub for everything you need over the coming weeks. We'll continue to refer to this page on Social Media, via emails and in our Cluden Chronicle Newsletter. 


What you'll find here:

  • Pre-Season Training Dates - When and where to get started
  • Season Playing Dates - Lock them into your calendar now. We will get "full" fixtures by the start of October
  • Blasters - Information around 2026/27
  • Clothing & Equipment - Everything your child needs to look the part
  • Team Structures - How many teams we will have and in what formats of games
  • FAQs - No question is unfamiliar to us. If you want to know more - just get in touch! 

If you have any questions at any stage, don't hesitate to get in touch - I'm always happy to help. 


Welcome to the Cluden family. Let's make this summer a year to remember.


Matt Balmer

Junior Coordinator

PRE-SEASON TRAINING DATES FOR UNDER 12C & ROOKIES


Saturday August 22nd: William Street Reserve Nets, 9am - 10am


Saturday August 29th: William Street Reserve Nets, 9am - 10am


Saturday September 5th: William Street Reserve Nets, 9am - 10am


Saturday September 12th: William Street Reserve Nets, 9am - 10am


Saturday September 19th: William Street Reserve Nets, 9am - 10am


Tuesday September 22nd: William Street Reserve Nets, 4pm - 5pm


Thursday September 24th: William Street Reserve Nets, 4pm - 5pm


MID-WEEK Training to begin week starting Monday September 28th


Saturday October 3rd: William Street Reserve Nets, 8.45am - 10am


MID-WEEK Training to continue

PLAYING DATES FOR UNDER 12C & ROOKIES

DATE ROUND UNDER 12C ROOKIES
Sat Oct 10 1 YES YES
Sat Oct 17 2 YES YES
Sat Oct 24 3 YES YES
Sat Oct 31 NO GAME NO GAME NO GAME
Sat Nov 7 4 YES YES
Sat Nov 14 5 YES YES
Sat Nov 21 6 YES YES
Sat Nov 28 7 YES YES
Sat Dec 5 8 YES YES
Sat Dec 12 9 YES YES
Sat Dec 19 10 YES YES
XMAS BREAK NO GAME NO GAME NO GAME
Sat Jan 16 11 YES YES
Sat Jan 23 NO GAME NO GAME NO GAME
Sat Jan 30 12 YES YES
Sat Feb 6 13 YES YES
Sat Feb 13 14 YES YES
Sat Feb 20 15 YES YES
Sat Feb 26 16 SEMI-FINAL YES
Sat Mar 6 GRAND FINAL
Sat Mar 13 RESERVE DAY

BLASTERS INFORMATION


This summer we will be offering 14 Blasters Sessions for $149.99, with registration including a pack from Cricket Australia and a Cluden Cricket Club Training T-Shirt.


Mark Mclean will again lead the program after his successful first year at the helm last summer.


All sessions will be held at William Street Reserve from 9.15am - 10.30am on Saturday's. The canteen will be in full operation weekly cooking up your Egg & Bacon Rolls, Berri Quelchers, Coffees + more!


Season dates are:


Saturday October 17

Saturday October 24

Saturday October 31

Saturday November 7

Saturday November 14

Saturday November 21

Saturday November 28

Saturday December 5

Saturday December 12 (XMAS Break-Up)

XMAS Break

Saturday January 30

Saturday February 6

Saturday February 13

Saturday February 20

Saturday February 27 (BLASTERS Presentation Day)


Registration can be done via PlayHQ link here

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT 


Junior Games are played using Cluden Yellow Playing Shirts, White Trousers and Caps. These will be available to purchase leading into the season. Currently all stock is in our storage room at William Street Reserve. We will do our best to access this and begin to sell at Pre-Season Training sessions.


Cost of items are:

Cluden Yellow Playing Shirts $50

Cluden White Trousers: $40

Cluden Caps: $20


Each team will have a Game Day and Training Kit that can be used throughout the summer. This kitbag will have bats, pads, gloves, helmets and thigh guards to be able to be used. Each player must purchase their own box/protector. These can be purchased via our supplier Gray-Nicolls at their shop 45 Wangara Road, Cheltenham or are available at retail shops such as Rebel, Greg Chappell Cricket Centre or Kingsgrove Sports. We do often find at Rookies/Under 12 level that many families elect to purchase their child their own gear - an easy option for first time players is the Gray-Nicolls Cricket Set (which includes a bag, bat, gloves, pads and a thigh guard). This can be purchased via their website or in the shop as per above.



TEAM STRUCTURES 


At this stage, we anticipate we will have the following teams:

Under 12C Grade x1 Team (Players aged 9-10): Coach TBC

Rookies x2-3 Teams (Players aged 7-10): Coaches TBC


Teams and Training Dates will be communicated ideally by the first week of September once we have settled registrations.


While we attempt to pair a young Senior Player (aged 18-23) as a coach of these teams, this isn't always feasible. Any parents who would be interested in coaching / assisting, we would appreciate them reaching out to Matt (mattbalmer24@gmail.com / 0448 767 099) for more information.


Each team will also need a Team Manager who organises the weekly WhatsApp messages, scoring roster, umpiring roster, morning tea roster.


FAQs

  • Where are the fixtures?

    The South East Cricket Association (SECA) will advise of the fixtures in late September/early October. 


    Once we have, these will be communicated out to each team. 


    Currently we just have the playing dates as per above.

  • When will teams and training dates be announced?

    Once registrations close at the end of August, we will have our exact numbers for the season ahead. 


    Then we will settle on teams and begin juggling our numbers as to who coaches and plays in each side. 


    Once teams are settled, the coach/team manager will reach out to parents to decide on what night best suits.

  • When can be buy clothing for the Season?

    We will get full access to William Street Reserve on AFL Grand Final weekend.


    We will however do our best to access our storage area where our clothing is stored and attempt to sell during the Junior Training Sessions that are planned for August and September to ensure players are in yellow and feel part of the Cluden family. 


    Given the first game is not until Saturday October 10, we do have time to ensure everyone is fully kitted out in time for the games.

  • I'm confused. Who should I contact?

    Please send Junior Coordinator Matt Balmer an email (mattbalmer24@gmail.com), or if required text/call (0448 767 099). 


    Matt has been our Junior Coordinator for 10 years, so no question is too silly and he will happily help as required.