THE Southern Grampians Shire is set for a boost to its cricket schedule with the region set to host the Under-16 Youth Premier League for at least the next three years.

The news comes after the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) passed a motion during last week’s meeting to enter into a three-year sponsorship agreement with Cricket Victoria (CV).

The annual $10,000 investment, which will be reviewed annually, will guarantee the junior carnival remains in the Hamilton region, with CV also committing to bring its Under-19 female and male squads to the Western Country Regional Cricket Hub for pre-season camps each season.

SGSC mayor, Bruach Colliton said the economic boost from having such events in the district underpinned the decision to enter into the sponsorship agreement.

“Last year’s Under-16 Premier League Carnival hosted by Cricket Victoria saw an economic boost of approximately $175,000 into the Southern Grampians region,” he said.

“Over 50 families stayed in the region across the weeklong carnival which of course sees a positive impact in accommodation bookings, hospitality venues as well as retail which provided local businesses with increased opportunities.”

The hosting responsibilities are likely to lead to facility upgrades at some point, leading to a better experience for local cricketers.

It is also hoped that having such prominent high-performance carnivals will also boost participation in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association.

Colliton said these events would complement the local competition.

“Events and activities like these have the dual benefit of helping to support our local cricket community, while promoting the people and places of the Southern Grampians to the wider region,” he said.

“Cricket Victoria wants to showcase the fantastic grounds we have within the shire and give all players the opportunity to play in different conditions.

“They utilise local umpires for the carnival to support their development and various local clubs are paid to get grounds ready for the carnival.

“The Youth Premier League embraces talented players with varied backgrounds from across all of Victoria to be the best player they can be.

“We look forward to welcoming players and their families back later in the year for the 2022 carnival.”

The local 2022 Youth Premier League is scheduled for December 12-16.