 Have-A-Go Annual Report
Chatswood Have-A-Go (HAG) completed a successful season at Beauchamp Park with a registration of 161 players, which makes us the largest HAG Centre in NSW. The next biggest HAG Centre in NSW has 125 players. The players came from 137 families and were divided into 16 teams which used pretty much the whole playing area at Beauchamp Park. The ground was usually in good condition except for dog droppings not removed by their owners.
We had 15 girls registered (9%) and were able to place them in teams with other girls in them which worked out well. We were also able to attract players whose families hailed from countries where cricket is not traditionally played which is one of the aims of the programme. The families by and large enjoyed the programme and we were thus able to maintain an average 70% attendance rate over the season. This is important because if the kids do not enjoy the activities there is a tendency to stay away. We thus received very favourable feedback about the programme we ran.
First Grade captain, Matt Nicholson visited the Centre once when injured and spoke to the players about playing cricket at an elite level. He brought along his blue State and baggy green Australian caps to show the kids and thus inspired the players to follow his example. At the conclusion of his talk he answered the players’ questions.
We had good news from the Federal Government recently when our application for a grant to purchase a Computer/Laptop and Video/Slide Overhead projector was approved. This equipment will enable us to better administer the Centre in the coming season and improve our coaching techniques.
Michael Berman | 
