Under 10s play 8-a-side pairs cricket, 16 overs. Other than playing with a hard ball and all the protective equipment that goes with it, it is very similar to the kwik cricket format, in that players bat in pairs for 4 overs, with 5 runs deducted for each wicket lost. Each player will bowl 2 overs, with 2 players bowling 3 overs to cover the wicket keepers overs (assuming the W/K doesn't bowl). Each innings will take around 45 minutes to complete, so you would need to allow 2 hours for the match.

With regards to kit, all players must wear cricket whites, i.e. shirt and trousers, ideally a club shirt (which you can buy from Outlet Sports, 195 Broadway East, Northampton, NN3 2PU, or telephone 01604 409900). The boys must wear a suitably sized box and appropriate underwear to hold it! Remembering the boys do need to be able to run it whilst wearing it, so tucking it into loose boxer shorts may result in it travelling about and impeding their running ability!

All players must also wear, without exception a helmet, pads and batting gloves. Don't feel you have to go out and buy this now, as the club has plenty of kit for the boys to use on training and match days. John Henry Sports (Intersport) on Wellingborough Road stock plenty of cricket gear and they will be able to advise on fitting etc. (Other reputable retailers are available!)

The U10s league runs from Monday 27th April through to Monday 10th August, with us playing each team home and away, so there are plenty of games for us to get all the lads involved in matches. The fixture list is on the U10s page on the website and you can download a copy to print from here http://files.pitchero.com/clubs/35248/2015u10sfixtures_136533.pdf

It would help us a great deal if you could log into the website and set your availability for each fixture (although I appreciate you may not know what you are doing in August). When you log in you will see a red icon with a number in it … click on this and follow the red icon through to the availability page.

Our process is that on Wednesday/Thursday preceding the Monday fixture, I will have a look at the website to see which players are available for selection. (If you've not set your availability I may send you an email prompt to asking you to do so). From the list of available players, and taking into account player rotation, Nick will select the 8 players for the match. You will then get an email notifying you of your selection. Within this there is a link for you to confirm your selection. (There is a Pitchero application you can download too for either iPhone or Android)

Last year when we had a home fixture we use to do a small tea for the players to have after the game. We would have a stock list of 8 different items (pizza, sarnies, chicken nuggets, crisps, cakes, biscuits, etc.), and each player (parent) would choose which of these items to bring. It worked well, and particularly as the kids are most likely having a quick tea before coming to the match, if there's something for them to eat after the game, it saves you a trip to the chip shop on the way home!

If you would like to take on the "Parent Rep" role for U10s, then please Nick or Rachel know. It's pretty straightforward and everything can be done through the website and full training and on-going support will be given.