Aberdeenshire Cricket Club's junior section is looking back on one of its most successful seasons to date, with growing numbers, a landmark cup run, and strong community support setting the tone heading into the winter indoor sessions, starting Tuesday 27th October(Hardball) , 26th(Softball).

The club's junior programmes — Hardball, Softball and All Stars & Dynamos — now boast over 160 young players, a figure that continues to grow and reflects the strength of youth cricket at Mannofield.

It was a season of silverware and standout performances across every age group. The U13s finished runners-up in the Scottish Cup, the U14s reached the semi-finals, and the U16s made it all the way to the final. The U15s capped it off by winning their Scottish Cup age group outright.

The U15s' achievements didn't stop there. The side also competed in the ECB Cup, finishing among the best eight teams in Britain — their run ending with a narrow defeat in the north regional final to the side that would go on to win the tournament outright. Their run attracted national media attention, with the side featured in several pieces.

The season also saw individual recognition at the highest level, with a number of Shire juniors representing regional sides and Scotland across the U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 age groups. Kanishk Tata, Vikaash Saravanan , Marcus Vila, Ethan Shedbal, Arnav Saraswat, Riyansh Kirodian , Leo Wood and Joseph Scotting all pulled on regional or national colours this season — a reflection of the depth of talent coming through the club's junior pathway.

The achievement was matched by strong support off the pitch, with a club and community fundraising effort for the team's trip to York raising nearly £3,000 — helping send 12 players and two coaches to compete on the national stage.

Reflecting on the season, Junior Head Coach Phil Wood — known to the players as Mr Phil — said: "To see where this junior section has come from, and where it is now, is something I'm incredibly proud of. Three Scottish Cups in three years, a top-eight finish in Britain, players pulling on Scotland colours, and a junior section that's grown from a handful of kids to over 160 — that's down to the players, the parents, and everyone at this club who's backed us. But we don't stand still. Winter training is where next season really starts. It's the hard yards nobody sees, and it's exactly what turns a good side into a cup-winning one. Finally , a massive thank you to Martin Mitchell of Aberdeen Orthopaedic Network and also Colin Smith of Katchet for being such great supporters and sponsors of our junior section. "

None of this happens without the volunteers who give up their own time — and often their own money on fuel and mileage — to support the juniors week in, week out. Whether it's coaching sessions, umpiring, scoring, or simply making sure every child is safe and enjoying themselves, their commitment is the backbone of the junior section. Particular thanks go to Ashim Sinha,Nav Nagdeve , Niamh O'Kennedy, Umesh Basavaraju, Naveen Kirodian ,William Anderson , Bob and Tyler Buchan and Thamarai Saravanan, among the many volunteers who have travelled countless miles this season to help the club's youngsters compete, learn and thrive.

Attention now turns to preparation for next season, with hardball indoor winter training set to begin on Tuesday 27th October. The sessions are designed to build on the progress made over the summer, giving young players the opportunity to develop their skills without interruption from the winter weather, and ensuring they return to outdoor cricket in the spring with the foundations already in place.

Indoor hardball sessions run at Shedocksley, with ages 5–14 training from 6:00–7:30pm and ages 14–18 from 7:30–9:00pm .Please note that Hardball sessions are subject to approval from Mr Phil. We are meticulous in ensuring your child is ready for the competitive nature that Hardball cricket brings, and — most importantly — for the safety factor involved.

Winter softball sessions running at Cults Academy , begin Monday 26th October, running 5:00–6:00pm, then resume after the Christmas break on Monday 14th December, same time.

All juniors, whatever their experience level, are welcome to take part. For full information on session times, prices and dates, please contact Mr Phil at phil.wood@aberdeenshirecc.org.uk.

A note from the writer - the person this is aimed at will hate this , hence why I do it .

It would be remiss to close this article without recognising the man behind so much of what's been achieved this season and past. As Junior Head Coach and convenor of the entire junior department, Phil Wood puts in countless hours that go far beyond what most people will ever see — and he does it all as a volunteer. In every sense but the paycheque, this is a full-time job, yet it's one he carries out on top of his own life and commitments, week after week, without complaint.

His dedication to these kids knows no bounds. Whether it's planning sessions, organising fixtures, travelling to games, or simply making sure every single child in the junior section feels looked after, Mr Phil is there — and has been, consistently, for years(He's really old btw). From this editor's perspective, there is no one else who could do this job in the same capacity. He deserves the utmost credit, not only for the quality of coaching and teaching he provides, but for his unwavering dedication to what is, without question, the greatest club in Scottish cricket .

Thank you, Mr Phil - From all at , Aberdeenshire Cricket Club.