In 2006, Chesterfield Cricket Club have six junior teams playing in the Chesterfield and District Youth League. There are two 8-a-side U11 Kwik Cricket teams, 8-a-side hardball teams at Under 11s and Under 12s and 11-a-side teams at Under 13s and Under 15s. We also run an Under 17s team which plays friendly matches against local rivals. All home games are played at the first class facilities at Queen's Park.

Those starting off in the sport play “Kwik Cricket”. This uses a soft ball, plastic bats and ensures everyone participates by batting and bowling for an equal amount of time. The focus is on enjoying the game and learning the basic techniques and skills involved. Boys and girls as young as six or seven are welcome to join our “U11 Kwik Cricket” group. The upper age limit is 10 for boys (as of 31.08.2005) and 11 for girls (as of 31.8.2005).

At U11s and U12s, normal cricket equipment is used including the hard ball. These age groups play a modified form of the game, batting in pairs for four overs each and with everyone in the team bowling or keeping wicket in every match. These teams include some of the more experienced U9s and U10s who are ready to progress to this form of the game. At U13s the traditional 11-a-side format is used and all the normal Laws of Cricket apply. At U15s the players’ skills are developed and the most talented have the opportunity to sample senior cricket. The U17s team is very much a stepping stone into the senior game and most members of the squad are playing regular senior cricket. 

Coaching sessions take place throughout the summer at Queen's Park on Fridays. From January to April, winter training takes place at Cricketal (Turnoaks Business Park, off Storforth Lane, Chesterfield). The availability of places for these sessions is limited and is offered in the first instance to existing club members. It is important to apply early if you would like a place for next year. All coaching sessions are carried out in an organised and safe environment to ensure that young players learn, as well as enjoy, the game. In April, squads for each age group are finalised based on a combination of factors: proven ability, potential, commitment and reliability being the most important. These squads compete in local junior league and cup competitions from the start of May until the end of July. Players who miss out on a place in the squads continue to have the opportunity to train and develop their technique on Friday evenings during the summer and may get the occasional call-up for matches to cover for injuries and illness.

Many of Chesterfield's junior players have gone on to play at representative level for Derbyshire Cricket Board teams. Out of the current crop of our junior players, nine are playing for Derbyshire in 2006 with a further six playing for District representative sides. It is a notable achievement that three Chesterfield juniors have been selected for the Derbyshire Academy – there are only 10 places available

Girls play in the same teams as boys (up to and including U13s) and may stay within an age group for a year longer than the boys. Age groups work on the current academic year. Therefore, for example, for the 2006 season, girls can play U11s matches if they were not yet 12 on the 31^st August 2005 (boys must have not yet had their 11^th birthday on that date to qualify).

Girls-only training sessions take place at Queen’s Park every Friday from 5-6pm from mid-April to July under the guidance of Club Coach Andy Brown.

If you’d like to come along and join in, please contact the Junior Co-ordinator: Simon Mounsey

Simon Mounsey
Junior Cricket / Youth Development Co-ordinator
Chesterfield Cricket Club
Rye House
47 Oakfield Avenue
Somersall
Chesterfield  S40 3LE 

Tel:  01246 567771                 Mobile: 07973 512517                        Email: simon@simonmounsey.com