Cricket Australia is proud to announce Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club (Queensland) as the winner of the 2025–26 Junior Initiative of the Year Award, recognising an innovative and inclusive program that has strengthened junior pathways and improved retention at a critical stage of player development.
Award Winner: Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club – Trebles Cricket Carnival (QLD)
Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club, in collaboration with Redlands Cricket Inc., has been recognised for the Trebles Cricket Carnival—a purpose‑built junior initiative designed to bridge a well‑identified gap between Cricket Blast and junior hard‑ball formats.
The initiative emerged after recognising that many young players—particularly Blast graduates—were outgrowing Blast but not yet ready or confident for Junior Format 1 cricket. Without an appropriate next step, too many were leaving the game. Trebles Cricket was created as a gentle, fun and inclusive transition format, with a strong focus on girls and mixed‑gender participation.
Now in its second year, the 2025–26 Trebles Cricket Carnival delivered a vibrant, carnival‑style experience that brought the entire Redlands cricket community together at one venue. With music playing, inflatable activities, an active canteen and BBQ, the event created a welcoming, high‑energy atmosphere that made junior cricket exciting and accessible.
The carnival featured:
- Nine teams from across Redlands Cricket Inc.
- 72 junior participants playing Trebles cricket
- Invitations to all local Club Blast participants to attend, play modified Blast games and experience a larger community cricket event
This dual‑format approach allowed Blast players and their families to see firsthand what the next stage of cricket looks like, creating clarity, excitement and confidence around progression.
What sets Trebles apart is its innovative format, tailored specifically for developing players. The game features:
- Smaller teams and simplified rules
- Equal opportunities for all participants to bat, bowl and experience every fielding position
- Short 10‑over innings, allowing each team to play a minimum of three matches in a single morning
- High ball contact and engagement to build confidence quickly
By prioritising fun, fairness and involvement, Trebles creates positive first experiences of structured junior cricket. Many participants have already progressed from the carnival into JF1, Stage 2 junior cricket and girls’ programs, validating the effectiveness of the pathway.
The initiative has also delivered broader benefits beyond participation. The carnival strengthened relationships across Redlands clubs, coaches and volunteers, fostering collaboration through shared resources and future joint events. Importantly, it also helped build a stronger volunteer base, with new contributors stepping forward to assist with coaching, umpiring and event operations.
Through Trebles Cricket, Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club has demonstrated outstanding leadership in player retention, innovation and community connection, making them a deserving recipient of the 2025–26 Junior Initiative of the Year Award.
Highly Commended: Phoenix Beeliar Junior Cricket Club (WA)
The judging panel also extends high commendation to Phoenix Beeliar Junior Cricket Club (Western Australia) for its commitment to developing engaging and inclusive junior cricket opportunities within its community. The club’s nomination highlighted strong junior‑focused initiatives supporting participation, enjoyment and long‑term player development.
Cricket Australia congratulates Cleveland Thornlands Cricket Club on this outstanding achievement and thanks Phoenix Beeliar Junior Cricket Club and all nominees nationwide for their dedication to strengthening junior pathways and ensuring cricket remains a positive, inclusive experience for young people across Australia.