The New Zealand Cricket Superstars Cricket Academy, administered locally by the Western Bay of Plenty Cricket Association, is set to expand to six venues in the current cricket season.

Western Bay of Plenty Superstars Cricket Academy introduces cricket to children aged five to eight and follows on from the WBOPCA Cricket Awareness program that's delivered in schools.

The activity based Superstars programme teaches children basic cricket skills in a fun environment, with each session starting off with a number of different skill stations and concluding with games that incorporate the session skills.

While this year's WBOPCA program stretches from Pongokawa to Katikati and Waihi Beach and will deliver the introductory program to 5700 youngsters, which is an increase of twelve hundred school pupils, WBOPC administrator Don Warner.

'The objective is a sequential program starting with cricket awareness in schools, to where the youngsters progress to the Superstar Academy and then on to play Saturday morning junior cricket.”

Last season Superstars Cricket took place at Pemberton, Blake and Fergusson Parks with Gordon Spratt Reserve, Te Puke Domain and Katikati College joining the program this cricket season.

The seven-week program runs at Gordon Spratt Reserve on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings at Fergusson Park, with the four other venues taking place on Friday evenings.

The Superstars programme is also a recruitment tool for potential junior cricket coaches and managers with parents encouraged to take part in delivering the basic skills like catching, throwing and batting.

The Superstars Cricket Academy costs $25. To register visit: www.superstarcricket.co.nz.

WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY SUPERSTARS CRICKET ACADEMY VENUES:

Gordon Spratt Reserve Starts Thursday, October 27 5pm – 6pm

Blake Park Starts Friday, October 28 4.30pm - 5.30pm

Pemberton Park Starts Friday, October 28 5pm – 6pm

Te Puke Domain Starts Friday, October 28 5pm – 6pm

Katikati College Starts Friday, October 28 3.45pm - 4.45pm

Fergusson Park Starts Saturday, October 29 9am – 10am