At Dedham Cricket Club, we provide structured coaching and competitive cricket for boys and girls aged 6-15. Our qualified coaches focus on skill development, teamwork and enjoyment in a welcoming club setting.
"I love seeing every tiny improvement from session-to-session, and helping our juniors to consider for themselves how they're developing each time. For me, the most important things that Chris and I try and instil in our young players are a sense of fun (we don't want players taking things way too seriously at too young an age), a real feeling of being part of a great team, and an understanding of the basic skills needed to play this game we all love, in that order"
Jim Wilkinson (ECB-qualified Coach)
Structured Coaching for Each Age Group
Our junior section is ever-growing and the aim is to provide a clear development pathway, from age 6 up to our Under 15 age group, and then on to our 1st and Friendly XI sides..
Our juniors benefit from qualified and DBS-checked coaches, structured weekly training sessions, competitive match opportunities and progressive skills development.
We aim to balance performance, participation and enjoyment at every level.
Your Child's Safety is Our Priority
Dedham Cricket Club operates in line with ECB safeguarding guidance.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all young players
WHY CHOOSE DEDHAM CRICKET CLUB?
Junior Membership includes:
Our Annual Junior Membership Fee is £30
Individual Match Fees are £5 per person, per game
We welcome new players throughout the season, subject to availability
Starting Cricket should be exciting - not expensive or confusing.
At Dedham Cricket Club, we aim to make the process straightforward for families. This guide outlines what your child needs, what can wait, and how to choose the appropriate equipment.
Importantly, we do have club kit available for use at training sessions and in junior matches, particularly for new players who are just starting out.
What does my child need to begin?
For their first few sessions, your child does not need full cricket kit. To attend a trial or early training sessions, we recommend:
We provide:
There is no expectation that new players arrive fully-equipped
When should we buy equipment?
We generally suggest waiting until:
Buying too early can lead to incorrect sizing or unnecessary expense
Our coaches are happy to advise before any purchases are made
Choosing the right cricket bat
The most important piece of personal kit is a bat - and correct sizing matters more than brand
Bat Size
Cricket bats are sized by height and age group (eg. Size 3, 4, 5, 5, Harrow)
As a guide:
However, height is more reliable than age.
A correctly sized bat should:
An oversized bat can hinder technique and development. If unsure, bring your child to training and we can assist with sizing.
Essential Protective Equipment
For match play (particularly hard-ball cricket), players will eventually require:
We do have some protective equipment available for shared use, particularly for younger age groups. However, as players progress, most families choose to purchase personal protective items for comfort and hygiene.
Footwear
For junior cricket:
Comfort and grip are more important than specialist branding
Clothing
Match clothing requirements vary by age group. Typically:
We will provide clear guidance before any purchase is required. There is no need to buy match clothing before your child has settled into the programme.
Keeping Costs Sensible
Cricket equipment can range widely in price. For junior players:
We encourage parents to:
Our aim is to keep cricket accessible and affordable. If you are unsure, just ask! We understand that many parents are new to cricket. Our junior coaches, Chris and Jim, are always happy to check bat size, advise on protective equipment, suggest suitable retailers, confirm what is (and is not) required. Please do not feel pressured to purchase equipment immediately.
Over the Winter, our more experienced juniors are entered into the Colchester Indoor League competition. This competition sees teams of 6 compete at the Northern Gateway Sports Centre, near Colchester United's stadium.
Players bat in pairs, four overs per pair, and score runs for hitting the wall or ceiling and running between the wickets. Bowlers have a maximum of three overs each, and the team deduct runs from the opposition's total each time they take a wicket.
In the Summer, our Under 15 side plays in the North Essex Eagles Cricket League, with home and away fixtures against teams in the local area.
Games are hard-ball and 20 overs long per side. Fixtures are generally played on weekday evenings, starting at 6pm.
We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.