Sport
25 March, 2023
State cricket award for two Caboolture coaches
Caboolture-based cricket coaches Phil Sisson and Maddy Bingham (pictured) were recognised for their contributions to junior cricket as they each received a Queensland Cricket award.
Phil’s award was for Queensland Cricket Coach of the Month, while Maddy’s award was for Queensland Cricket Volunteer of the Month.
The award-winning duo received a framed certificate and a broad-brimmed hat at Caboolture Sports Cricket Club on Saturday, March 11.
Phil and Maddy said they felt privileged to receive their awards, which they earned due to the passion, dedication and commitment they showed when coaching and helping young children develop their cricketing skills.
Sunshine Coast-based Queensland Cricket manager Tayla Crane presented the awards, which pertained to junior cricket coaches in the Sunshine Coast region.
Phil has coached the Caboolture-based U11 Redmayne girls cricket team for the past two years, after his daughter encouraged him to be involved.
“Junior cricket doesn’t get off the ground without parent involvement,” Phil said.
Phil said he would continue his involvement with junior cricket next season as he was happy to help develop girls’ cricket.
The award winner said it was a fine line between telling the players what to do and allowing them to develop, while he sensed that things worked differently for girls compared to boys with playing cricket.
“Girls need to be part of the team to show their cricket skills, while boys need to show skills to feel or be part of the team,” he said.
Maddy, who began playing cricket in Caboolture at the age of eight when she took part in the Master Blasters program, changed focus this season as she turned her attention to coaching.
At 15 years of age, Maddy coached boys and girls aged five to seven years in the Junior Blasters program.
Caboolture junior cricket coordinator Rechelle Adams said Maddy showed maturity above her years, while Tayla said Maddy was “super keen to learn” and was well-prepared for each cricketing session.
Tayla said another key asset for Maddy was devoting a lot of time and energy to the role.
