MPCA clubs discuss future in open forum

Key issues impacting the future of Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association have been raised by clubs in an open forum.

The MPCA wants to grow the game on the peninsula Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association clubs came together on Monday night to discuss the future of the game.

More than 70 people attended two forums, held at Dromana and Seaford Tigers, with a representative from each club speaking for two minutes about issues facing their club or the competition.

MPCA general manager Jason Nagel said the aim was to share ideas and ultimately “grow the game on the peninsula’’.

“There were heaps of topics discussed, it was really good,’’ Nagel said.

“Each club getting up and speaking for two minutes really opened the eyes of every other club — they said, ‘we’re not the only club with these battles’, and it allowed clubs to see a face from another club.’’

Issues discussed included:

*Retention and recruiting of volunteers (it was a concern across most clubs).

*Keeping 18 to 25-year-olds invested in the game.

*Transition from juniors to seniors.

*Player points...should it be changed to attract more players into the competition?

*Incorporating the Twenty20 competition into the lower grades.

Keeping 18 to 25-year-olds invested in the game was a topic raised at the forum.

Nagel hoped the meetings would lead to clubs talking to each other and ultimately helping each other.

“I think the general concept around it was, we all want our club to be strong but unless we help the clubs that are struggling in certain areas...let’s share some ideas and see if it works at your club,’’ he said.

“It was really positive.’’

Nagel said clubs would be sent survey/questionaire from the MPCA and asked to list what they see as their main issues going forward.

“So the whole idea is to get to the AGM and not have clubs turn up and just put their hand up without actually surveying their own players,’’ Nagel said.

“The reality is we know there are clubs struggling so rather than put our head in the sand let’s get out and do something about it and start to get people talking to each other.’’