Parklands Cricket are pleased to offer a new exciting "Smash Play" program for 4 - 8 year olds on Friday nights, for those who can't commit to cricket on Saturday, mornings or for younger players who just want to have a go at cricket or team sport without playing full traditional games.
What?
Smash Play is a new program developed by New Zealand Cricket for junior tamariki with a focus on game play, values, participation and enjoyment.
At Smash Play children or "Smashies" will play cricket-related games that will gently develop their skills with the above focus points in mind. They will not play "regular" cricket (though we may have the occasional short game from time to time!) so if you would prefer a traditional style, consider entering them in Saturday cricket instead.
For more details, see New Zealand Cricket's Smash Play website here.
If you're not sure if Smash Play could be for you, check out our "Have a Gos" in September which will largely feature Smash Play-type games.
Who?
While Smash Play games are suitable for older age groups, Parklands are currently limiting our sessions to 4 to 8 year olds. When appropriate, children will be grouped at the sessions so they are playing with others of a similar age.
If your child is 4, it would help if they have taken sports instruction before (e.g. have attended "Little Kickers" or "Kelly Sports" or similar). We also ask that you actively help them with instructions and to participate in games.
Sessions will be organised and run entirely by volunteer parents and potentially older junior players from the club. Our coaches are not paid.
How Much?
$20 for up to 6 sessions.
This minimal fee covers gear costs and makes you a member of our family friendly, community focused Parklands United Sports Club. We welcome and encourage Smash Play players and their parents to attend our fun club nights on Saturdays as full members.
When?
Term 4 2023: 4:30PM - 5:30PM on 6 Friday nights: Oct 27, Nov 3, Nov 10, Nov 24, Dec 1 and Dec 8 (no Smash Play Cantebury Anniversary weekend).
Term 1 2024 4:30PM - 5:30PM on 6 Friday Nights: Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 1, Mar 15 and Mar 22 (no Smash Play March 8)
Where?
Next to the cricket nets, Parklands Reserve, 77 Queenspark Drive.
What to Wear/Bring?
Smashies should be in comfortable clothing and shoes for running around with a water bottle at hand. There is no team uniform for Smash Play so that we can keep costs as low as possible and accessible to all, but we focus on building a "team spirit" in other ways.
Registrations
Registrations for Term 1 2024 have now sold out. Please check back through the year for possible winter/indoor programs, or for our Term 4 program.
When registering, you will first need to create a login for the New Zealand Cricket PlayHQ system, and can then continue to register your child.
Questions?
Please contact us at parklandscricket@gmail.com
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