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The Challenges and Future of Cricket on the Gold Coast

WORDS: Angus Murray-Forster PHOTOGRAPHY Jessica Hearn @pexels.com

There are some hurdles to overcome

Cricket on the Gold Coast has a rich history and dedicated community, but it faces unique challenges that impede the expansion and advancement of emerging clubs and players. To delve into these issues and uncover possible solutions, we interviewed a former president of a local cricket club and a parent whose son is involved in club cricket. Their insights reveal a complex landscape where new clubs struggle to gain a foothold, and young players often feel overlooked.

Administrative and Financial Hurdles: The Struggle to Establish a Club

Starting a cricket club on the Gold Coast requires more than just assembling a team; it’s an intricate process riddled with administrative and financial challenges. Jake Savage, the founding president of the Bonogin Valley Bulls, explained that establishing a club begins with becoming an incorporated entity and securing a bank account. “While this might sound straightforward,” Savage said, “it involves navigating bureaucratic processes that can be daunting for newcomers.”

Financial stability presents another challenge. Savage emphasized that although they were fortunate to secure sponsors early on, financial pressures grew as the club expanded, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Sponsors tightened their belts, and fundraising became difficult,” he said, highlighting the constant need for creative solutions to keep the club afloat.

Paul Kleinschmidt, president of the Coomera Cricket Club, added that although the Gold Coast Cricket Association provides governance, umpires, and the competition structure, many clubs feel they are not getting full value for their fees. “We need more personal meetings to address club-specific needs and grant funding assistance,” he suggested, reinforcing the idea that more can be done to support new and struggling clubs.

Facilities and Resources: A Constant Battle for Grounds and Equipment

Accessing suitable facilities is one of the most significant challenges new clubs face. Unlike established clubs with long-standing grounds, new clubs often struggle to find appropriate playing fields. Jake Savage noted that Bonogin Valley Bulls were fortunate to use Davenport Park but lacked a turf wicket, which relegated the club to lower divisions despite their competitive success. “If a new club were to form today, it would be nearly impossible to compete without a turf wicket and clubhouse,” Savage added.

Glenn Tozer, a local councillor, confirmed that the council is aware of these issues, citing a major Community Services and Facilities Review currently underway. “We are working to deliver more fields for multiple sports, including cricket,” Tozer explained. However, he also acknowledged the difficulties: “Cricket is a tough proposition because the wickets need protecting, and many sporting fields double as drainage reserves, which complicates maintenance.”

Lachlan Pegler, president of Burleigh Cricket Club, emphasized that despite these challenges, upgrading facilities like turf wickets has been crucial for clubs. He pointed out that the Gold Coast Cricket Association’s support, through access to their futures fund, allowed Burleigh to complete a significant wicket block rebuild, a project that might not have been possible otherwise. This illustrates the need for more consistent and targeted support for clubs facing similar infrastructure hurdles.

Inclusion and Support: The Need for a More Equitable System

Beyond the logistical issues, there’s a broader concern about the inclusion of players from smaller or newer clubs. Many talented players feel overlooked when it comes to representative teams. A parent involved in the local cricket scene explained, “Players from lesser-known clubs rarely get the recognition they deserve due to lack of visibility and opportunities.”

The father stressed the importance of fair selection processes, saying, “Representative selection should be inclusive of current form, stats, and achievements.” However, he also noted that players from smaller clubs are often overshadowed, as they don’t have the same access to high-profile games or networks as those from more established clubs. This lack of visibility means that even when players perform well, they aren’t always noticed by selectors, creating a sense of frustration and unfairness.

Lachlan Pegler echoed this sentiment, mentioning that Burleigh Cricket Club has had to focus on creating pathways for junior players to improve retention and recruitment. “Established clubs have second-generation players, which helps with continuity,” Pegler noted, “but for a younger club like ours, we have to rely on facilities and development programs to attract and keep talent.”

Paul Kleinschmidt added that while communication from the Gold Coast Cricket Association is adequate, there is room for improvement, particularly in providing clubs with individualised support for grant funding and resources. Without this tailored assistance, newer or struggling clubs are left to fend for themselves, often without the tools they need to thrive.

Cultural Challenges: Navigating the Established Norms

Cultural issues within established clubs also create barriers for new entrants. A parent expressed concern about his son’s experience at a well-established club, where he faced a highly competitive environment with little support for newer players. “It was shocking to see the lack of inclusion and the demoralising treatment of teammates,” the parent said, noting that it discouraged his son from pursuing a higher level of cricket.

This sentiment was echoed by Pegler, who acknowledged the challenge of player retention in a transient population like the Gold Coast’s. He explained that Burleigh Cricket Club focuses on what they can control, such as improving their facilities and creating junior pathways, rather than emulating older clubs’ traditions. Nevertheless, the need for a more inclusive, supportive cricket culture is evident across the board.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Growth and Change

Despite the numerous challenges, there are opportunities for growth and improvement within the Gold Coast cricket system. Glenn Tozer stressed the importance of working strategically with peak bodies like Cricket Gold Coast and Cricket Queensland to address demand. “Local councillors can assist with small facility upgrades and help clubs access community grants, but broader strategies are needed to address these growing pains,” he said.

Jake Savage and Paul Kleinschmidt both called for more transparency and support from the Gold Coast Cricket Association, particularly in areas like grant funding and the development of new clubs. As Savage pointed out, emerging clubs need more guidance and mentorship to navigate the administrative and financial hurdles, while Kleinschmidt suggested that association meetings be more personalised to address each club’s specific needs.

Conclusion: A Call for a Collaborative Future

The future of cricket on the Gold Coast relies on a collaborative effort from all stakeholders—clubs, governing bodies, and the community. By addressing the administrative, financial, and cultural barriers new clubs encounter, we can build a more inclusive and successful cricket community. It is time for the Gold Coast Cricket Association to take a proactive approach, offering more consistent support, resources, and mentorship to new and existing clubs alike.

By eliminating nepotism in player selection, providing more infrastructure support, and fostering a friendlier, more inclusive environment, the Gold Coast cricket community can grow and reflect the passion and diversity of its players. With proper collaboration, there’s hope that cricket will continue to thrive on the Gold Coast for years to come.