Keeping cricket open for all

A NEW cricket program will soon be encouraging players of all skill levels to bowl, bat and field.

Developed by the North Ballarat Cricket Club, the Ballarat All Abilities Cricket Program is for those with any form of disability who want to play.

The club hopes to have the BAACP up and running from November through February and will be open to disabled people over the age of 16.

Director of cricket Adam Eddy said the initiative aims to provide an “outlet” for disabled people later in the year.

“Especially in Ballarat and the wider region, people with disabilities don’t really have a sport to play in the summer,” he said.

“We’re really excited to get this program off the ground, it’ll be the only program of its kind in Ballarat.”

The program will be structured in a round-robin format, allowing teams of six or seven to take to the pitch.

Participants will be trained by the club’s coaches and volunteer network and will be provided opportunities to develop their skills with the North Ballarat Roosters.

Mr Eddy said disabilities should not hold anyone back from competing.

“This program is open to everyone, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, we just want everyone to take part and have some fun,” he said.

North Ballarat has also announced that a team will be selected from the BAACP to compete in the Melbourne All Abilities Cricket Association.

The MAACA organises matches with modified rules to include those who might not be able to take part in the regular cricket season.

“We will also be hosting some tryout sessions for the MAACA squad directly, so that people from outside Ballarat can come and give it a try if they want,” said Mr Eddy.

For updates on the program, check out the North Ballarat Cricket Club’s Facebook page at facebook.com/northballaratcc.