History

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The Sydenham Cricket Club is one of Christchurch’s oldest cricket clubs, established in 1896.

It has a proud history in terms of success in the local club competition and as a supplier of players to both the Canterbury and New Zealand teams. Indeed, the New Zealand cricket team’s two of the most recent captains, Stephen Fleming and his predecessor Lee Germon, both played for Sydenham.

From its base at Sydenham Park, the club boasts an estimated membership of more than 500 players, across all grades, ages, genders, and skill levels. Sydenham has one of the largest junior sections in the local competition.

Considerable growth has occurred over the last 12 years with the development of our well respected coaching programme and under the guidance of Ivan Thomson the convenor until 2002.

Sydenham draws its players from a large catchment area of southern and eastern Christchurch including the Port Hills, Lyttleton and around the bays. The club strongly believes in the development of the game in the community and is actively involved within schools, supporting and promoting cricket programmes by providing facilities, coaching clinics and gear.

Sydenham, in conjunction with Canterbury cricket and the Lancaster Park Woolston club, has this year employed a community cricket co-ordinator (Nigel Marsh), coaching in schools and generally raising the profile of the sport so that gaps between club cricket and secondary school cricket can be closed. The club has a strong administrative base, with a dedicated committee providing direction and foresight. A comprehensive coaching programme employs several part and full time coaches.

Cricket isn’t just about playing the game - it is about being part of a team, developing relationships and social skills, learning about fair play and respecting other people. Most importantly, it’s about having fun and in that respect our club offers several yearly functions to bring players and their parents and families together. These include the annual pool party, Friday night mini Olympics, and subsidised team activities.

Check out the Centenary page for more information on the club, especially the Senior members.