The cost of sports uniforms can be a real barrier to participation, and with the growing numbers of juniors rising up through the ranks of the MDCA the team kits were struggling to keep up.

MDCA Treasurer Terry Sharp, best sums up the situation, “...if a player first plays Under 13 country week at 12 years old and continues to represent the MDCA right up to Kirton Shield at 17 years old, it’s not unreasonable to expect they might go through 4, 5 or even 6 shirts in that time, especially if the shirt sponsors are changing yearly over that period.”

“The funds received from the grant went a long way towards giving the MDCA the opportunity to fit out all of its junior teams in identical caps and shirts, so they could present as a team when playing against the bigger and more affluent cricket associations in the Central Highlands Region.”

“The opportunity to be presented with a uniform upon making the rep teams gave the boys something to strive for at club level.”

“Since acquiring the new uniforms, we did have one player make a Central Highlands Region squad following this season’s matches. Frazer Dix (Maryborough Cricket Club) has also made it through to the Central Highlands Region under 16 region squad of 24 following his performances in the under 15 junior country week.”

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides grants to assist in the purchase of sports uniforms and equipment and to improve the capacity and accessibility of Victorian clubs and other community sport and recreation organisations and increase the skills of their coaches, officials and managers.