How the Juniors roll: Will Kennedy
Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club | August 25, 2025
With registrations now open for the 2025/26 season, we sat down with Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club junior convenor William Kennedy to talk about the club’s ‘Superstar Academy’.
A long-time member and graduate of the junior programme himself, Kennedy now combines his career as a teacher with his love of cricket to lead the initiative.
For many youngsters this is their very first taste of the game, and Kennedy says making that first experience positive is vital. BWCUCC boasts one of Christchurch’s largest junior clubs, with BLACKCAPS Tom Latham and Mitchell Hay both having come through the same pathway – proof the programme can take players all the way to the top.
Q: Burnside has built a successful junior coaching model on Friday nights. What are the key aims of the programme?
A: The main aim is to upskill juniors who are keen to improve their cricketing skills. We run cricket-specific drills alongside modified games, so the kids not only learn the fundamentals but also get to experience the flow of a game.
Q: What do the drills look like for kids of this age?
A: We split into two stations – Smash Play and Kiwi Cricket. Smash Play is for our youngest players, Year 1 and 2, and it’s all about giving things a go and introducing different elements of cricket in a fun, accessible way. Kiwi Cricket, for Years 3 and 4, starts to explore the technical side more deeply, while still keeping things engaging through modified games that apply the skills they’ve learned.
Q: What qualifications do coaches need, and how can parents help their kids’ development at this stage?
A: There are no formal qualifications needed to get started. Each summer, New Zealand Cricket provides courses for coaches covering the basics, and Christchurch Metro Cricket also runs foundation, Level 1 and Level 2 courses – all self-nominated. Parents are very welcome to get involved too. Whether you’re an experienced coach or simply want to lend a hand, your support is hugely valued. Just come and see one of our coaches on the night, and we’ll get you involved.
Current Blackcaps and former BWCUCC juniors in action for the Premier side at Burnside Park.
Q: Looking back on your own junior cricket days, what stands out most fondly?
A: Definitely the friendships. Many of the mates I made back in Year 8 are still close friends today – and I’m even still playing alongside some of them. That’s the beauty of cricket, the bonds you make last well beyond the game.
Q: In your eyes, what’s the key to keeping kids involved in cricket long-term?
A: It might sound a bit cliché, but enjoyment is everything. If you can create an environment where kids love turning up, feel included, and get opportunities to experience the game, then they’ll want to stick with it.
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