It’s well known that sports have numerous health benefits. Cricket offers many of these, especially for kids. Unfortunately, cricket is somewhat limited outside of club sports, with many schools not supporting it. As a parent, I’ll share why you should choose junior cricket as your child’s summer sport.
As a parent, I have seen my two boys treated poorly by their clubs (winning isn’t everything guys!). I can personally vouch for the difference cricket has made in them since they started playing. So, I ask: has your child ever thought about cricket as a way to get into sports? To be blunt, cricket is the best summer sport of all – just ask 10CC.
There are many benefits of getting your child involved in sport but lets focus on junior cricket.
- Mental Health – Since the start of the pandemic, getting outside and active can give your children a huge mental health boost. Cricket, with its lower pressure compared to sports like football, can be especially beneficial.
- Physical fitness – With months of lockdown and increased screen time, getting your child active through cricket helps balance this with regular exercise throughout the spring and summer months. Last season, my eldest played U14s, U15s, and 3rd team cricket, getting around 12 hours of exercise a week!
- Concentration – Stand offers junior cricket for children aged 6 to 17, which can really improve their motor skills and concentration. Even the most distracted kid will focus on the fast, small ball when it’s coming towards them. Cricket also improves general fitness levels, stamina, balance and hand-eye coordination.
- It’s social – The best thing about cricket is the team ethos and how it builds resilience. Winning is not the be-all and end-all in junior cricket. Even if your kid drops a catch or gets bowled for a duck, teammates will surround them and offer support. This camaraderie is built into the younger ones, teaching them to be part of a team, support each other, and cheer for one another.
- Cricket reduces stress – Kids who participate in sports generally see a reduction in stress levels. I genuinely see my two boys much more relaxed during the cricket season.
- Boosts Self-Confidence – Playing junior cricket ensures everyone gets a fair go at bowling and batting. You see them grow each year as they master catching a ball, hitting the wicket from the outfield, running someone out, improving their batting skills and hitting their first four or bowling someone out.
- Role models – My eldest played 3rd team cricket with experienced senior players, and I’ve seen him start to look up to them. In turn, they have taken him under their wing. It’s wonderful to see.
- Cricket is for Everyone – Regardless of age, gender, race, or sporting ability, our junior section welcomes children aged 6 to 17. They learn basic cricket skills through fun, game-based activities. From U9s, they play a modified format of the game where every child gets a chance to bat, bowl and field.
Most importantly, cricket is fun!
