Cricket looks to reverse skills decline trend in children

While the cricketing world is currently focused on the ICC Cricket World Cup, the health and skill benefits of cricket are being advanced among young Australians.

Mindful of studies show that the skills, as well as activity, levels of children are declining, Cricket Australia has been highlighting how the catching and throwing skills of the game go hand-in-hand with a child’s development, and hope their strong involvement with children through Milo T20 Blast and Milo In2Cricket programs will reverse the downward skills and activity trend.

More than 500,000 children - aged five to 12 - across Australia participate in some form of cricket which enhances their hand-eye coordination and fundamental skill level.

Cricket Australia’s National Program Manager Rohan Obst believes cricket is a sport that is encouraging children to become active at a young age.

Obst explained “cricket is playing a role through the delivery of entry level programs in clubs and schools across the country.

“All MILO In2Cricket and MILO T20 Blast activities are mapped against the consistent components of fundamental skills … the active, inclusive program allows kids to make friends, develop social skills and team work.”

Broken down into categories of skills, children will develop body awareness, travelling, sending, receiving and fitness through participation in the cricket development programs.

The average age of participants is six proving you are never too young to start to learn Australia’s favourite sport.

Obst also expressed cricket education can take place at home if there wasn’t time to get down to a local oval or clinic, adding “Mums and Dads can play their part too through playing backyard cricket or practicing the basic skills through informal and unstructured play.”

For more information or to find out where parents can register their children to take part in MILO in2CRICKET or MILO T20 Blast visit www.playcricket.com.au.

Based on an item first published on the Cricket Australia website. Click here to view the original story.

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