This is a common question put to me, particularly from parents of junior female players.
Female cricket in central and northern Victoria is in great shape. To the point where associations such as Gisborne, Bendigo, and Goulburn Murray Cricket can offer young players the option of mixed competitions with the boys, all girl junior competitions, and open age women competitions as well.
As good as this is, it can all get a bit overwhelming for players and parents trying to decide which path is best to take for the player to develop.
In my opinion, having seen some of the best junior talent come through country Victoria over the past ten years, staying in junior cricket for as long as possible is key.
If players are comfortable with it, play both mixed and all girls where possible and get two games in each week. Playing is the best form of practice.
In regards to open age women's cricket, don't feel pressured by your club to participate simply to make up the numbers. Play whenever you feel you are ready.
If you are to play women's cricket, I would advise you to keep playing juniors as well. Keep in mind that a lot of open age players are very new to cricket and sometimes the standard may not be all that high.
We need to ensure that the player is not only enjoying themself, but also being challenged.
In regards to the amount of cricket your child plays, let them be the driver. We don't want them burnt out at an early age. 

If they say they need a break or you see some signs of burn out, slow things down. Cricket will always be there for when they are ready.
​- Paul

Last night was supposed to be my first training session with my son's Under 12 team. It hasn't barely rained in Bendigo for the last two months it seems. Sure enough it rained yesterday morning and didn't stop all day.
As a kid growing up in Melbourne I was always devastated whenever it rained on training nights. October always seemed to be the wettest month of the year.

Sometimes as a coach it can be tempting to cancel training after a little bit of wet weather, particularly if the nets are unusable.

Have a think about what else you can do instead:

- Are there netball or basketball courts that can be used.
- Is the oval in good enough condition to do some fielding.
- Can you head indoors to chat about some of the technicalities of cricket.

With younger players they will always get something out of anything cricket related.

And remember, for a lot of kids training is one of the highlights of their week.
- Paul