Dear Dorking CC Members,
I hope this letter finds you well. It is with immense pleasure that I present a roundup of our Junior Cricket season for 2023 and share some exciting plans for the upcoming year ahead.

The 2023 season has been a resounding success, both on and off the field, showcasing the incredible talent and spirit within our junior ranks. From outstanding performances to a vibrant community atmosphere during the Summer months, the achievements of our young cricketers have made this season truly memorable.

On the field highlights

Our junior players demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season. The club is proud to have witnessed some fantastic individual and team performances. These achievements highlight the promising future of our club. Special mention to the U13 Development side who won their division having achieved 6 out of 6. It has also been amazing to see the junior cricketers, making their adult debuts this season and holding their own with committed performances. Particular mention to the juniors who performed amazingly well in the Surrey Slam Tournament were Dorking reached the quarter-finals. What this all shows is their is certainly a pathway for junior cricketers at Dorking CC and this is something we wish to continue supporting and harnessing in years to come.

Friday night sessions: The buzzing atmosphere during our Friday night sessions is a hallmark of our junior cricket program. Beyond the development of cricketing skills, these sessions fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among our players, families, and supporters. The vibrancy and energy on display were a testament to the strong culture that is evident at the club. Thanks to all the coaches, volunteers and bar staff who have made the Friday evenings such a fantastic event.

Looking ahead to 2024

As we set our sights on the upcoming year, we are thrilled to announce some new and exciting initiatives that will further enhance the junior cricket experience at Dorking CC:

Winter Junior Programme at the Ashcombe: In 2024, we are returning to the Ashcombe for our Winter Junior Programme. This program offers an excellent opportunity for young cricketers to hone their skills during the off-season. Please note that places are limited and sold out across several age groups, so we encourage interested participants to contact Ian for further information and secure their spots or join the waiting list.

Enhanced Coaching Programme: We are committed to providing top-notch coaching to our junior players. In 2024, we will continue to refine our coaching programme aimed at developing skills, fostering leadership, and promoting a love for the game. Our coaching staff is dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of each player. If anyone is interested in becoming a coach or coach support worker please do get in touch. We can link anyone interested with Surrey and the club offers to financially support this.

Social Events: Building on the success of our Friday night sessions, we plan to organize more community and social events in 2024. These events will bring together players, families, and supporters for fun-filled activities, strengthening the bonds that make our club a special place. If you have any ideas or would like to get involved with the planning, please do let me know.

Expanded Junior Tournaments: To provide our junior cricketers with more opportunities to showcase their talent, we will be participating even more junior leagues in 2024. This will not only expose our players to competitive cricket but give others a chance to continue enjoying cricket in a relaxed and less demanding environment.

Cricket Camps – Easter Pre-Season: In 2024, we are excited to introduce an Easter cricket camp held at Westhumble between April 8-12th. These camps will offer intensive training sessions, skill development programs, and a chance for our junior players to prepare for the upcoming season in a focused and engaging environment. Further details will be released in the new year alongside the usual Summer Camps that will run at Pixham Lane!

Awards Night: To culminate the 2024 season, we will be moving our Funday/Awards Night to the start September. This shift aims to celebrate the achievements of our junior cricketers in a grander fashion, providing a fitting conclusion to another year of growth and success.

Friday Nights during the Summer: In response to the overwhelming positive feedback and the desire to offer our Junior Members as much exposure to cricket as possible, we are delighted to announce our plan to continue the Friday night sessions throughout the entire summer in a format yet to be decided. This initiative aims to provide a consistent and engaging cricketing experience for our young players, allowing them to further develop their skills and passion for the game.

Club Shop: Are you looking for some inspiration for Christmas presents? Well visit our club shop ahead of the 2024 season https://teamwear.nxt-sports.com/shop/dorking-cc and purchase some new items. All Junior cricketers from U8 upwards will require the dark coloured playing trousers and blue playing shirt. P.S. We will be selling bucket hats to all members ahead of the new season!

Umpiring/Scoring: If you are interested in umpiring or scoring courses please contact myself and I can direct you in the right direction!

Playing equipment: If your son/daughter is playing hardball cricket next year, it would be a good idea to secure this equipment ahead of the winter programme (if attending) or the Summer season. I would highly recommend purchasing equipment (especially helmets) from specific cricket shops such as Romida in Leatherhead. Minimum required is pads, gloves, helmet and box and bat (which can be second hand). If you have any spare kit you wish to recycle around the club then once again let me know and we will arrange a swap shop at the club during the Friday evening sessions.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the unsung heroes of our club—the age group managers, scorers, umpires, and every individual who has volunteered their time and effort. Without your dedication, club cricket simply cannot run. Your selfless contributions have been the backbone of our success, creating an environment where our young cricketers can thrive and excel.

In addition to our volunteers, I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Sarah, Ian, and Cat for their invaluable contributions as part of the junior committee. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for nurturing our young talents have been instrumental in the success of our junior cricket program.

Lastly, a special mention and heartfelt thank you to Lisa, who is now stepping back after countless years of dedication to Dorking CC. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our club, and we are immensely grateful for the impact she has had on the lives of our players and the overall success of Dorking CC.

As we embark on this exciting journey into 2024, we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of the 2023 season. Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication are the driving forces behind our club's achievements.

For more information about the Winter Junior Programme, cricket camps, Friday night sessions, or any other upcoming events, please feel free to reach out to Ian or myself.

Here's to another year of cricketing excellence and enjoyment!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Toby Blood - Head of Junior Cricket.