Kempsey’s Ben Paix, who has been involved in the local cricket competition since he started playing at 13, will take over as the new Macleay Valley Cricket Association president after he was elected into the position this month.
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Paix has outlined three immediate focuses; junior development, increase in participation and competitiveness of the smaller clubs and improvement in local cricket infrastructure.
The 39-year-old believes the junior development program has been great for the past few seasons but is hopeful new initiatives will increase participation.
“The focus of the association always has to be on the development of the juniors as they are the future,” Paix told the Argus.
“We have had a lot of great volunteers over the years and they have helped put us in the great position we are in now.
“But there’s still room for improvement, I am hoping to improve the smaller clubs in the association. It will create a better competition and increase development further if there’s more competitive clubs.”
Paix claims the new junior formats, which increases the level of involvement of all players, was a great success last year.
“The new rules for juniors forces all of the players to get involved as they each have to bowl two overs before a person can bowl a third and they also get more time batting too,” Paix said.
“This encourages more younger players to get involved as it makes it more fun for them.”
Kempsey Shire Council has also been applying for grants to improve the cricket infrastructure in the region and Paix believes this is key.
“With better facilities, more people will be inclined to play because the conditions for training and playing are better,” Paix said.
“It will help with advancing their skills further and creating better environments to play.
“I will be speaking to each club and finding out their respective wish lists.”
It was an easy decision for Paix to take over as the new president of the association, as he has a strong love of the game.
Paix has been the association secretary since 2012 and believes it will be an easy transition into the presidential role.
“I have a massive passion for cricket, anyone who knows me knows how much I love it,” Paix said.
“It’s a great game to play and I have had some great times on and off the field.”
The Macleay Valley Cricket Association senior competition will begin on Saturday October 13 with the juniors to take to the fields to start the new season the following weekend.
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