The Victorian Junior Cricket Academy

- AUTUMN GAP PROGRAMME 

The Autumn GAP Programme is a component of the Victorian Junior Cricket Academy.

It is an intensive 7 week structured cricket programme that caters for junior cricketers (boys and girls) aged 8 to 14 and is designed to bridge the gap between the end of the junior summer cricket season in late March and the start of our Weekend Winter Program Academy at the beginning of June.

The 2026 programme offers players a 90-minute coaching/training session each week for 7 weeks through April and May. The weekly sessions provide a combination of one-on-one batting coaching plus a group net session where players both bat and bowl against other members of the squad who are of a similar age and skill level. The maximum number of players in each training squad is 10 and there are separate programmes for Under 12 and Under 14 boys while the girls programme is a combination of Under 12 and 14 players.

For the 2026 Autumn Gap Programme, participants will be grouped based on the age level they played in the 2025/26 cricket season at their club. The Autumn GAP Programme operates on Monday and Thursday evenings for the boys and Tuesday evenings for the girls. It runs for 7 consecutive weeks and the registration fee is $385. Note, for the boys, players must nominate which night you want to attend (Monday OR Thursday) but players can enrol and train on both nights for a concessional fee of $715.

UNDER 12 Groups – 4.30pm to 6pm – Monday or Thursday

With the Under 12 Programme, players can choose to participate in the Monday OR the Thursday session that starts at 4.30pm and finishes at 6pm. You cannot change the training night you nominate, however, players can enrol in both nights for the discounted price of $715 . Please note, two of the scheduled sessions fall within the school holiday period and no discount or concession is offered if you are unable to attend any of the 7 sessions.  

UNDER 14 Groups – 5pm to 6.30pm – Monday or Thursday

Just like the Under 12 Group, Under 14 players can choose to participate in the Monday OR  the Thursday session. The Under 14 sessions start a bit later at 5pm and run through to 6.30pm. You cannot change the training night you nominate, however, players can enrol in both nights for the discounted price of $715. Please note, two of the scheduled sessions fall within the school holiday period and no discount or concession is offered if you are unable to attend any of the 7 sessions. 

GIRLS UNDER 12 & 14 (Combined) Groups – 5pm to 6.30pm – Tuesdays 

Please note, two of the scheduled sessions fall within the school holiday period and no discount or concession is offered if you are unable to attend any of the 7 sessions. 

We use the latest technology including the BOLA brand bowling machines and video analysis so our accredited coaches can identify weaknesses and rectify technical flaws. We examine player’s set-up including the stance, grip, position of the player's head and hands at ball release point plus balance because these are the foundations for batting success.

Players will learn how to execute all the front foot and back foot shots plus get a dedicated session on how to play spin. The ramp and switch hit are also taught with a focus on how to turn the strike over and score to all parts of the ground. It is a complete cricket masterclass and players hit more than 1,000 balls over the 7-week programme. They will build muscle memory and we guarantee every player will improve the technical and tactical aspects of their game.

In the group net sessions (bat versus ball), calling and running between the wickets is put under the microscope. Coaches simulate match day situations to challenge players and help them deal with pressure situations. While the Autumn GAP Programme does have a batting focus, the group net sessions allow the coaches to review bowling actions to generate more pace, spin or swing and most importantly, avoid injury. Ultimately, the objective of the Autumn (GAP) Programme is to deliver a purposeful training experience in a high performance environment and make sure every player walks away a better cricketer.  

The training groups are aged based (Under 12 & 14 players) so in the group net sessions the players bat and bowl against players of a similar age and skill level. Each group or squad is limited to 10 players (with 2 coaches) and we expect the program to be a complete sellout, so we urge you to book early to avoid disappointment.

The Autumn (GAP) Programme caters for ambitious and fanatical  young cricketers. The only pre-requisite to register is a commitment to work hard and be coachable. Our mission is to build player confidence, improve their technique and equip participants with more power and passion for the game.

Historically, the vast majority of players who participate in our high end programs as part of the Victorian Junior Cricket Academy go on to play representative cricket for their association like the South-East Cricket Association (SECA), Eastern Cricket Association (ECA), Dandenong District Cricket Association (DDCA) or an Under 15 J. G. Craig team.

To register, Download the form HERE (print out, fill out and return it to us) or download PDF form HERE, fill out and return).

 KEY FEATURES & CONDITIONS OF THE AUTUMN (GAP) PROGRAMME

Finally, if you have any queries in relation to the Autumn (GAP) Programme please contact us on (03) 9018 9733 or cricket@cricket-hq.com.au