Early Engagement Programme (EEP)

Early Engagement Programme

Early Engagement Programme (U10–U12) 

Purpose

To provide a fun, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate cricket experience for girls aged 9–12, laying the groundwork for progression through the Early Engagement Programme (EEP) and into County Age Group (CAG) squads.

 

Key Objectives

 

Engage & Inspire

    • Create a positive experience of performance cricket
    • Build confidence, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging

Develop Core Skills

    • Focus on fundamental movement and cricket-specific skills
    • Encourage creativity, game awareness, and decision-making

Expand Opportunities

    • Increase access to high-quality coaching to support player development
    • Create more opportunities for competitive but development fixtures – enabling players to apply their skills and deepen their understanding of the game

Identify Talent

    • Stretch and challenge high performing individuals
    • Fast track highly talented players into the CAG Programme where possible

Programme Structure

  • Skill Focus Areas

    Batting

    Building consistent and effective bat path

    Balanced when striking the ball – confident in staying in line and hit in the middle of the bat

    Defend straight

    Run effectively between the wickets – understanding the basics of calling

    Put the bad ball away

    Start to understand different lengths and the types of shots for each

     

    Bowling

    Developing energy towards the target, over a strong back/leg/front foot contact position

    A willingness to hit the stumps every ball

    Understand the difference between bowling at left-handed batters compared to right-handed batters

     

    Fielding

    Develop confidence in catching, throwing and stopping of a hard cricket ball

    Understand the basic principles (body positioning) of catching, throwing and stopping a ball

    Learning the basics for diving and rolling on the ground when fielding

    Bring energy and enthusiasm

     

    Wicket Keeping

    Develop basic strong catching position – body and hands

    Develop footwork for moving sideways

     

    Game Sense

    Understand the rules

    Understand the main roles of batters, bowlers and fielders

    Learn basic fielding positions and start to understand the roles of different fielders

  • Physical Literacy

    Agility, balance, coordination, speed

    Age-appropriate fitness games and challenges

  • Game Play

    Internal fixtures in a variety of formats

    Potential of external fixtures vs other counties

  • Training Schedule

    Bi-weekly training sessions (January-April)