Expanding Opportunities for Junior Cricket with the 2G Flicx Pitch with Active Cricket Coaching

Since its inception in 2021, Active Cricket Coaching (ACC), founded by Holly Halford-Smith, has been dedicated to growing the game of cricket through camps and coaching in Canberra. Holly, a passionate coach with experience at local clubs, recognised an opportunity to create her own coaching camps and offer a more tailored experience for young cricketers. In doing so, she’s been able to provide not only top-quality coaching but also new avenues for local junior cricket teams to develop and thrive.

One of the most significant factors behind the growth of ACC’s programs has been the use of the 2G Flicx Pitch, a portable and innovative solution that’s changing the way matches and training sessions are conducted where facilities are lacking.

Enabling Match Play on Cricket Camps

Holly first encountered the 2G Flicx Pitch after seeing it featured in The Cricket Kid’s online videos. Additionally, she learned that the ACT government owned a 2G Flicx Pitch, which was made available for her camps about a year and a half ago. The success of that pitch led Holly to purchase a second one for ACC from a club in Sydney, which is now conveniently stored in a container, allowing Holly to use it across multiple locations.

At the ACT venue, where ACC operates out of, space for training is limited—there are only two cricket nets available, with occasional access to a turf wicket. This is where the 2G Flicx Pitch has proven invaluable. Not only has it enabled Holly to host centre wicket games during the camps, but it has also allowed her to use leather cricket balls for older age groups, which has significantly improved the quality and realism of the match experience. In the past, blast balls were the only option for grass-based matches, but now, thanks to the Flicx Pitch, players can enjoy a more authentic cricket experience, even during training.

Flicx Pitch’s Impact on Player Development

Players have responded enthusiastically to the Flicx Pitch. The novelty of playing on a dedicated cricket surface instead of the field has been a hit, with many young cricketers finding it more enjoyable and realistic. Holly herself has been pleased with the bounce and performance of the pitch. When the grass is cut short, the pitch delivers excellent playability, though it can become slightly lower when the grass is longer, which adds a level of variation to the playing conditions.

Holly believes the Flicx Pitch can be an excellent resource for clubs in Australia, particularly for those facing challenges with infrastructure.

In many regions, cricket clubs are struggling to keep up with increasing player numbers, which often leads to limited access to training spaces and, in some cases, the capping of numbers. For these clubs, the 2G Flicx Pitch represents an affordable and effective solution to this problem.

Expanding Access and Capacity for Growing Numbers

The growing demand for facilities has been particularly evident in the local Canberra area. With limited venues available for cricket, it’s often difficult for junior teams to secure the necessary space to train and play. The Flicx Pitch, however, offers a flexible solution that can help expand capacity and support the growth of the sport with its versatility meaning it can be rolled out on a range of undersurfaces opening up totally new venues like hockey astro’s for cricket.

By using the 2G Flicx Pitch, Active Cricket Coaching has been able to offer more matchplay opportunities, which Holly believes is crucial for player development. The T10 centre wicket games, a key feature of the camps, have been particularly popular and are proving to be an essential part of the programme. The ability to set up multiple pitches simultaneously, even at different venues, means that ACC can now cater to larger groups and offer more opportunities than ever before.

The setup process for the Flicx Pitch has been straightforward. ACC coaches have become familiar with the process, and once the pitches are set up, they can easily move forward with their planned sessions. The trolleys provided with the pitches make the task even more convenient, making it easier to store and transport the pitch for different sessions

Active Future Focus

With the recent addition of a second Flicx Pitch, Holly’s vision for expanding her camps and supporting more local junior cricket players is now becoming a reality. The Flicx Pitch has not only enabled ACC to use different venues but also provided them with the flexibility to run larger camps and a better quality of camp by adding match play sessions, which ultimately benefits both players and coaches.

For junior cricket clubs in Canberra and throughout Australia and beyond, the 2G Flicx Pitch offers the chance to expand capacity, create additional suitable facilities, and accommodate the increasing demand for cricket space. With this portable, high-performance pitch, clubs can ensure their players have access to top-quality facilities and coaching, without the need for major infrastructure investment.

The 2G Flicx Pitch is proving to be an invaluable asset for Active Cricket Coaching and many other cricket clubs and schools in Australia. With its ability to create realistic match environments, support growing player numbers, and expand training opportunities, it has the potential to revolutionise the way junior cricket clubs approach player development and facility management. As demand for cricket continues to grow, the 2G Flicx Pitch offers a practical and effective solution for those seeking to meet the needs of the game in the coming years.