DDCA: Three of the competitions finest to lead associations booming academy program

With the goal of developing its own stars and ‘keeping kids in cricket’, the DDCA has announced its academy program leaders.

The Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) has appointed three of its finest to lead the future of the competition.

Craig Slocombe, Hayleigh Brennan and Matt Chasemore Brennan will direct the competition’s academy program — a development platform that is designed to improve each clubs’ junior players.

Slocombe, arguably the association’s finest ever player, was stoked to be selected for the role for a third successive season and outlined its purpose within the area.

“What it’s designed to do is create a better standard of local players in Australia,” he explained.

“Last year we had 190 kids (take part), under-12s, 14s, 16s, 18s and girls, they would come in for their session and we would teach them anything between basic footwork, defence, lane-work and some fielding.

“Majority of them go on to the rep sides from there.”

Craig Slocombe will be able to teach future stars a thing or two from his time in the DDCA. Picture: Josie Hayden

While admitting many often go on to bigger and better things, Slocombe revealed that the program isn’t just designed for the cricketers who have the potential to play at a higher level.

He feels the academy is a great opportunity to keep players of all ability interested in cricket.

“We know those players will go onto Premier Cricket, we can lead them there, that’s not a problem,” Slocombe said.

“As far as people thinking it’s an elite academy, we also feel it’s important for the DDCA to keep kids playing cricket within their clubs, not just at an elite level.

‘We feel Third, Fourth and Fifth XI cricketers are just as important to our association, therefore if we can help everyone, we can keep everyone interested and at their clubs.

“Majority of volunteers aren’t elite cricketers; they are people that just want to be involved in clubs and we need to keep those people in their clubs.”

Hayleigh Brennan bowling for Box Hill. Picture: Richard Serong

Brennan, a premiership hero at Premier Cricket level and Keysborough product herself, has returned to her roots to headline not only the girl’s program, but the entire academy.

“That’s a huge appointment for us,” Slocombe said.

“It’s a no brainer, she won’t just look after the girl’s academy, where we might have 30 or 40 girls there, she will be assisting in the whole academy.”