The program aims to introduce cricket to kids who have limited experience and are too young to play in the district’s regular season competitions.

“Some of them will have been to things like this before but we’re targeting these kids who haven’t played in the junior competition,” co-ordinator Trevor Wilcox said.

“They can’t play in the junior competition because of their age.

“Cricket Australia wants to get the young ones involved so they don’t feel like they’re big brothers are playing in the junior competition and they are missing out.”

The program develops kids’ cricket skills in a fun, social environment and they are given a bag of goodies to help them on their way, such as lightweight bats and softer balls.

“Their parents get involved too,” Wilcox said.

“They will be out there with the kids showing them what to do.

“It’s basic skills like how to catch a ball and how to throw a ball.

“They get a backpack, a bat, a ball, a t-shirt and hat.”

The program is for boys and girls aged 5-10.

It begins in Tamworth on Tuesday at 4.15pm at Cricket House at the Riverside fields and sessions will run until about 5.30pm.

There will be five sessions before Christmas and after the holidays, resumes in February.