So, you’re a big cricket fan, but your children just don’t see the appeal? And you want to change that? Read on for some suggestions of how to get them hooked on the sport.

Start early

Introducing cricket at a young age is a great way to get kids interested in the sport. You can buy sets with plastic bats and balls and practice bowling and hitting the ball in the garden or the local park. You can also try taking your kids to watch a cricket match - have a look for local cricket fixtures, where you can bring a picnic and sit on the grass. There may be cricket matches in a local park, meaning the kids can run around or go to the playground in between innings. 

Join A Local Cricket Club

There are thousands of cricket clubs in the UK and many have teams for all different age groups, so you should be able to find one nearby that suits your kids. Joining a club is a good way to learn the rules and practice while making new friends. Many clubs also offer social events and activities for the whole family, so you can go along together and meet other cricket fans. 

Watch Cricket Matches Together

There’s lots of cricket matches shown on TV or streaming online year-round, which is a good way to get your kids interested in the sport outside of the limited UK playing season. This will allow them to see how the game is played and how exciting it can be. You can also discuss the different aspects of the game while you are watching, which will help them to understand it better. They can learn about different parts of the world, as cricket is hugely popular in places including India, Australia and the Caribbean, and matches are broadcast from these locations.

Play Cricket Together

Playing cricket together is a great way to spend time with your kids and help them learn about the sport. A large, open space is ideal for cricket - a park or a field will work well, but ensure there’s enough room for everyone to run around. You don't need a lot of equipment to play - just a bat, ball, and some stumps. It’s best to use a soft ball if you’re playing with children, and some parks don’t allow hard cricket balls to be used for public safety reasons. Cricket can be a little complicated initially, but it's easy to learn the basics. Take turns batting and fielding, and see who can score the most runs.

Enrol Them In A Cricket Camp

In the school holidays, especially the summer, there are numerous cricket camps where children can play. Some camps are multi-sport, which allows kids to try different activities, and others focus specifically on cricket but include fun mini games and variants on the sport. The camps are usually run by experienced coaches who will be able to teach your child the basics of the game. They will have fun playing matches and competitions and they should come away with some new friends.

Cricket is a great sport for children of all ages, and there are plenty of ways to get them involved. From joining local clubs to attending camps, there's something for everyone when it comes to cricket. So what are you waiting for? Start introducing your children to this wonderful sport today.

Photo by Craig Hughes on Unsplash