One of the success stories of New Zealand Cricket’s development programme has been the establishment of MILO Centres as a way of introducing boys and girls to the game of cricket at a very early age. MILO Centres are usually based at schools or junior cricket clubs.
For the youngest ages (5-7 year olds) the programme is called MILO Have-A-Go Cricket. This teaches the fundamental skills of the game in a fun way over a period of 12 weeks for 60-90 minute sessions. Children are taught in small groups and are led by adults, especially parents of the participants who have undergone a two hour training session in the philosophy and techniques of MILO Have-A-Go Cricket. Each session is structured differently and includes a warm-up and a warm-down activity. MILO Centre Co-ordinators and the parent/coaches are well supported with resources from New Zealand Cricket. In addition, the children and coaches each receive a MILO cap acknowledging their participation in the programme. After introducing a set of skills, half an hour is devoted to a modified game of cricket.
The next level within the MILO programme is called MILO Kiwi Cricket and is aimed at 7-10 year olds. This introduces slightly more advanced skills through practice sessions similar to the Have-A-Go programme and grows into real games of Kiwi cricket using plastic stumps, bats and balls. As with the Have-A-Go Centres there are attractive weekly give-aways for the children to take home.
For enquiries on MILO Centres, contact Tim O'Sullivan Email tim@otagocricket.co.nz. Dunedin Cricket is always keen to hear from anyone who is interested in establishing a new centre in their community.
