The Deepdene Bears have a strong Junior Committee comprising: current and past senior players; parents; and members of the club who are coaches accredited by Cricket Victoria.

First and foremost we want the young players to enjoy participating in our Junior Development Program and to develop their skills during the season. We aim to give every player a "fair go" and a chance to participate and perform. The emphasis is on participation and, competition is handled flexibly, depending upon the age of the team or group concerned.

We run the following programs for various "Bears" age groups:

* Under 16 at the 1st of September.

* Under 14 at the 1st of September

* Under 12 at the 1st of September.

* Under 10 at the 1st of September.

* Our Milo Have-A-Go cricket programme for boys and girls of school age.

Although our most junior "competitive" team is at an Under 12 level, it is not unusual for children as young as 8 or 9 to successfully participate in our development program. 8, 9 & 10 year old numbers have allowed us to set up our U10 cricket team which use a different ball and subtlety amended format.

The matches for the U/16 and U/14 teams are on Friday evenings between 5.00pm and 8.00pm. and include a break over Christmas I New Year. Matches for the U/10's are on Sunday mornings between 8.30am and 11.30am. Matches for the U/12 teams are on Saturday mornings between 8.30am and 11.30am. The club plays these Junior under age games at Stradbroke Park (Lower) and Leigh Park (<a href="http://www.deepdenebears.com/index.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=20" title="Click to see maps">Melways Ref 46 E1</a>).

Our Milo Have-A-Go cricket programme is coordinated on Saturday mornings at Deepdene Park and regularly attracts up to 30 young boys and girls. We have a break during the school holidays. As with the underage teams, all equipment is supplied. The structured skills sessions are varied and involve all the kids. If you are unsure as to how your son or daughter would fit in, a quick visit on any Saturday morning during the season will probably allay your concerns.

It is our aim to see those representing the Deepdene Bears Cricket Club earn the respect of their peers for the manner in which they conduct themselves both on and off the field. This does not happen by osmosis, and we rely on the assistance of parents in this endeavour.

If you or your parents have any questions about your readiness for participation in underage junior cricket or our Milo Have-A-Go cricket programme, we are happy to field any queries.