Elite Cricket Academy - Cobblebank

St Francis Catholic College has partnered with Academy Movement to offer selected students in Years 10 to 12 the opportunity to join our Elite Cricket Academy (ECA).

Students participate in an elite athlete development program while completing their senior secondary studies. 

The ECA caters to young people who have a passion for cricket and sports in general, and allows students to focus on the intricate cricket skills of the sport and the broader teamwork and collaboration needed by elite-level athletes. 

The combination of both theory and practical content also aims to further improve their participation in the sport outside the College.

When students join the ECA, they:

• complete a structured curriculum from Years 10-12 that includes a VET Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, Level 1 Sports Trainer certification and full First Aid and CPR certification
• participate in high-level batting and fielding training sessions built into their timetable, delivered by a qualified coach with tailored programs to help them excel in their sport outside the College.
• benefit from an engaging and supportive environment among students who share their passion for sport and exercise
• learn about post-secondary education opportunities and career pathways
• gain access to elite sporting organisations through excursions and incursions.

How to apply

Applications for the ECA open to all Year 9 students at the end of Term 2 for commencement in Year 10.

Each application is assessed on sporting, behavioural and academic merit.

Successful students must represent the school, the academy, and themselves by participating in all aspects of school life to the best of their ability.

Students can re-apply in subsequent years only if a place in the academy becomes available, and each application will be assessed on the same criteria as above.

Students must compete in at least one sport outside the College at any level. Representative (e.g., state, national, etc.) level sports will be considered favourably, as will students with excellent behavioural and academic records.

For more information, please contact Elite Cricket Academy Coordinator Michael Bretag at mbretag@sfcc.vic.edu.au

Program partners

The College proudly partners with Academy Movement and Savile, a registered training organisation, to deliver the Elite Cricket Academy program. Pro Physio Plus generously volunteer their time to help with our strapping and taping unit. We thank them for sharing their experience and knowledge with us.

Cricket facilities at Cobblebank Campus

Our ECA students have access to some of the best cricket facilities in the western suburbs at Cobblebank Campus, including a full-sized synthetic oval with a match-approved cricket pitch, and plans to install practice cricket wickets.

This means students can develop their skills all year round without the interruption of a mid-year winter break that impacts traditional cricketing programs. 

The College is located in an area of Melbourne's western suburbs with a high level of cricket participation. The City of Melton Cricket Strategy indicates that cricket has the third-highest participation rate among sports in the municipality, behind Australian rules football and basketball.

Program activities in 2026 

T20 Cricket

Cobblebank Campus Year 10 Cricket Academy students represented the College in their first competitive game in March against Lara Secondary College in Lara and came home with a win!

There were plenty of nerves amongst the group as it was also the first time some members had been part of a competitive T20 cricket match.

These quickly dispelled when the game started, and with some tight bowling, we were able to restrict Lara to 9/122 from their 20 overs.

Gursidak finished with 3/11 for three overs, while Kanwar also contributed two wickets.

As we went out to start our innings, the players were instructed to control the controllable, focus, and play each ball on its merits, so as not to lose easy wickets.

Uv and Trip were instrumental - both players retired after 10 overs with the score at 0/104. Uv finished with 55* and Trip 37*. Both students remained calm and confidently moved the ball around the field. This boosted the team's confidence, and we finished 8/153 after our 20 overs.

Well done to all players from both teams who participated on the day in hot conditions. They all demonstrated teamwork, communication and dedication.

Junction Oval visit

Our Cobblebank Campus Year 10 Cricket Academy students visited the home of Cricket Victoria at the Junction Oval in March.

Although bad weather hampered the day, the students were able to watch part of the state cricket game between Victoria and South Australia on the oval.

Both sides featured Australian cricket players, which was exciting for the students; some were even lucky enough to get a photo with the players.

They also listened to guest speaker Ashley Chandrasinghe, a young Victorian cricketer who shared his experience in professional sport and his aim to represent his country at the highest possible level.

Students also heard from former Australian cricketer Michael Beer about the Melbourne Cricket Education Academy, which is available to students who finish Year 12 and want to work in the sport and recreation industry.

Indoor cricket tournament

Our ECA students travelled to Hoppers Crossing in May for an indoor cricket tournament against fellow Academy Movement schools, Mickleham Secondary College and Lara Secondary College.

The group was divided into two teams, and students quickly adjusted to the different rules. It was exciting to see some big hits and fast reflexes inside the nets. Both teams came home with one win and one loss on the day, which was good to see, as it was most students' first game of indoor cricket.

These co-curricular events are a staple for the program, and we look forward to more throughout the year.

Year 9 Athlete Development Program

Whilst the ECA is still in its infancy, the Athlete Development Program (ADP) is scheduled to begin at Cobblebank Campus in 2027.

The Year 9 program will consist of one theory and one practical class per week. The practical class will focus on basic cricket technique and the skills needed to play the sport. The theory class will include content from the following units, all relating to the sports industry:

• Fitness for Life

• Nutrition for Life

• Goal Setting and Healthy Habits

There will be one class per semester, with students only able to participate in Semester 1 or Semester 2, depending on timetabling logistics (students cannot choose which semester they participate in).

Places in the ADP and ECA are competitive, and we recommend that students demonstrate and maintain high standards of behaviour to ensure their applications are successful.

In Term 2, applications for Year 10 ESA places will open, and all students will be encouraged to apply if they would like to continue with the program into Years 10, 11 and 12.

One class, with a maximum of 24 students, will be selected for Year 10. These students remain in the ECA class until Year 12 (unless they do not meet ECA expectations or withdraw for other reasons).

If a place becomes available in Year 10, ECA staff may reopen applications to fill vacancies.