The Winter Academy development sessions were held for new and current players aged between 9 and 14 years of age.

Two groups of players were mentored and coached by up to eight of the Senior playing group and coaches including the Head of Cricket Michael Sheedy.

During the sessions players started with the fundamentals and then expanded their games with bat and ball covering many different aspects to help hone their skills.

The start of the Yarraville Cricket Club Academy in 2024 has given the club a great foundation for the season that was had and just completed.

The Academy in 2025 aims to have three age groups; Under 11, 13 and 15 and introduce for the first time a Junior Girls Academy. A block of six weeks of sessions will lead into the Junior and Senior Pre season calendars.

Note – (pictured) – Head of Cricket Michael Sheedy with player Samar Singh who at 14 years of age became the third youngest player to have debuted in the Yarraville Cricket Club 1st XI in 2024/25. Just one of the many great outcomes from the Academy sessions that are proudly supported by the Community Bank Seddon.

• Author, David Keenan, Yarraville Cricket Club