A club fit for a future King

The dust may have settled on the Royal visit to the MCG but the reason why Prince Charles was present will continue to burn bright according to one club cricket coach.

Sunshine Heights president Chris Hatzoglou has been working hard with Cricket Victoria’s Harmony in Cricket campaign for a number of years to help nurture the next talent from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Prince Charles’ interest in the initiative shone a spotlight on the unique relationship.

Now Hatzoglou is hopeful it will continue to blossom in the future.

“We’ve noticed a massive change in the number of cricketers coming through due to the program,” Hatzoglou said.

“Cricket Victoria approached us a few weeks ago to say there’s an event planned at the MCG, Annie Hateley from CV was very sketchy on the details but I know why now. I thought there might be some government people there but nothing like a Royal visit.

“We were all quietly appreciative about it.

“It sounds very simple but it’s a program that covers a long period of time. A club like ours has been focusing on the newly arrived side for quite a few years.

“By Cricket Victoria heading this program it essentially provides a bit more formality around it and allows us to actually expand it.”

Hatzoglou believes the support shown by Cricket Victoria provides his club with validation that it is on a successful path.

“Going back six or seven years we were pretty much a traditional cricket club in terms of our team,” Hatzoglou said.

“We had three or four teams which made us a typical suburban club.

“This year we’ve got seven senior teams that play, a few on turf and a number on hard wickets. We’ve got about six junior groups and this year a female team for the first time.

“We’re pretty progressive in our approach. By being open it has actually been a smart move by us because it has allowed us to grow as a club.

“We’ve more than doubled in size in the last five or six years.”

One of the success stories has been the progression of South Sudanese refugee Akat Mayoum.

The promising all-rounder only started playing the game a few years ago.

But a combination of good coaching and help by the Harmony in Cricket initiative has seen him move up through the ranks up into the first grade.

Sunshine Heights currently has a large cross-section of players from different countries.

The list is slightly mind-boggling.

Hatzoglou has welcomed refugees from South Sudan, Uganda, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Eritrea, Nepal and Afghanistan.

Add in kids from Turkey, Italy and Greece from families who migrated here in the 60s and 70s, it adds up to a real multi-cultural melting pot of talent.

“We’re like the EU,” joked Hatzoglou.

“If we go back five or six years those kids who were introduced to cricket with no background in the game – some are now playing first grade.

“The cricket is becoming better and we are more successful. We’re not just doing the nice touchy-feely things, the performances have really come on too through good coaching and the right support. “

The development of Mayoum is one of the club’s success stories, with another 30 to 40 kids like him coming through the club’s doors.

“Akat isn’t just a role model for the younger kids he’s also great for the rest of us. He connects very well, he’s very articulate,” Hatzoglou said.

“He picked up the game from a very young age. I can remember seeing him early on, he just sat down and seemed to absorb everything that was going on around him.

“Cricket isn’t a game that you can get straight away. I’ve been playing all my life and I’m still figuring it out, but he’s amazing.

“He will go far whatever path he takes and hopefully we’ve played a part in his journey.”

The Harmony message is clear – cricket is a game open to anyone from any background to play.

Sunshine Heights have taken a punt by giving it a go and now they are seeing the rewards.