Girls-only initiatives, sound management, and a willingness to learn has seen cricket gain popularity amongst Havelock North’s young females.
Previously having no all-girls teams tied to the club, Havelock North Junior Cricket Club now boast multiple all-girls teams, hold a Friday night club session for over 30 girls (aged 7-13), and have plans in place to continue increasing the number of girls engaging in the game at a junior level
HNJCC entered an all-girls team to take on largely boys’ teams at the recent year 4/5 Hawkes Bay Camps, and organised a girls’ cricket Festival at the end of 2022.
Former NZ U19 spin-bowler, Flora Devonshire, is an example of a player who has benefitted through HNJCC’s club programmes and teams – enjoying a breakout domestic season for the Central Hinds.
In total, there are now over 55 females playing or being coached by HNJCC or registered in various cricket programmes.
HNJCC Club Manager, Steve Field, has been instrumental in the growth of HNJCC over the past 15+ years, including growing the junior club from 45 to 200 participating in cricket.
Field put his club’s success down to a few key factors.
“The growth and success of our Club has been built around our strong club family values, making Anderson Park feel like a cricket home for all members by running everything here and always saying yes to new members,” Field explained.
“We encourage all genders, ages, ethnicities and abilities with a goal of providing cricket opportunities and development for everyone,”
Players celebrate at a girls cricket festival - HNJCC
HNJCC Junior Girls team manager, Simon Taylor, detailed what HNJCC have tried to achieve with their female programmes.
“At a basic level we’ve just tried to create some excitement around girls’ cricket,” said Taylor.
“We’ve tried to adapt and create things specifically for girls where possible and focus much, much more on engagement than performance or what you might call traditional cricket.”
This philosophy, combined with all-girls teams, female coaches, WHITE FERNS role models, and lots of music have all helped to keep girls engaged in the game.
The feedback from parents has been glowing, many of whom now support female cricket at the club in various administration and coaching roles.
Check out the Havelock North Cricket Girls Instagram by clicking here.
