Q&A with Anisha Dissanayake, Mill Hill Finches coach
Mill Hill Finches, a brand new cricket team for girls, begins a six-week winter training programme on February 17
1. Tell us all about Mill Hill Finches
Mill Hill Finches is a brand-new partnership between Finchley CC and Mill Hill Village CC. We are looking to bring girls around the area together and give them the chance to try out cricket or continue developing their skills! They have the opportunity to play exciting matches over the summer, meet other girls and have a whole bunch of fun!
2. Tell us about yourself
I started playing cricket at the age of 8, watching my dad play and also playing with everyone in the back garden. I currently represent the Middlesex women’s team, as well as having the opportunity to represent both Sunrisers Academy and Sunrisers 2nd XI. I have been coaching for about four to five years now, starting out at Finchley CC, and it is a really great opportunity to be able to set up this girls' section again and get as many girls playing cricket as possible!
3. Tell us about the winter training sessions for girls, which launches on February 17
Mill Hill Finches winter training starts on Saturday, February 17, and takes place every Saturday until March 23, inclusive - so six consecutive weeks in total. It takes place from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Henrietta Barnett School, which is a seven-minute drive from Finchley CC or a 15-minute drive from Mill Hill Village CC.
4. How can people book a place?
Sign up via this Pitchero link. There's also more information about booking on the Mill Hill Village website here, where you can find out about individual session costs, bulk session payments, and access to our Easter camps that will be taking place too! If you have any queries, please feel free to me on anishadissanayake@gmail.com or contact Mill Hill Village Cricket Club's Director of Cricket Phil Smith on info@millhillvillagecricketclub.co.uk or tel. 07976 297721.
5. How do you ensure player welfare and that the sessions take place in a fun and safe environment?
The players’ enjoyment and happiness is at the heart of everything that we do. This partnership has allowed girls at Mill Hill Village and girls at Finchley to come together and share their love for the game. Coaching will be led by myself and other ECB-qualified coaches, with years of coaching experience.
6. Who can take part?
Absolutely anyone can take part! Mill Hill Finches is open to all ages of girls. Any level of player is welcome, whether complete beginner or experienced! There will be other beginners too. You don’t have to be super-sporty or brilliant at any other sports!
7. Why is it important for Barnet/Finchley to have a girls' cricket team?
We believe that it is so important for girls in the area to have the opportunity to play cricket at their local club. Whether they have played at school, in the back garden, or never before, it is a great opportunity for the girls to develop their skills and build confidence in themselves. We pride ourselves on engaging with our community, encouraging fitness and staying active, as well as ensuring that everyone leaves the sessions with a massive smile on their face! We are really excited about this project and can’t wait to have you on board with us as we venture through with Mill Hill Finches!
8. Give us an idea of what the girls will be doing at each session
Each session will vary in terms of skill development and activities. Not only is it a chance for the girls to learn new techniques, we will also be playing fun games and creating a welcoming team culture. Plenty of team building, fun and enjoyment and skills practice. We just want these girls to have fun!
9. How can girls apply to take part and what’s the deadline?
There is no deadline to sign up. Winter sessions will be starting on Saturday, February 17 through to Saturday, March 23, inclusive. You are welcome to join any sessions and we really look forward to having you!
10. What happens after the winter training sessions? Will you be organising games as well?
We have already enrolled in an U10 softball competition, giving the girls matchplay opportunities throughout the summer. It will be a great place for them to put their skill development into practice, learn new things, and of course, have lots of fun with their friends!