Frankston is a well-known suburb located on the eastern shores of Port Philip, and it offers a unique blend of contemporary urban experiences, stunning coastal scenery and hidden bushland gems, among other things. The suburb boasts an array of sporting clubs and facilities, including popular sports such as Aussie rules football, tennis and soccer. However, the Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club (FPCC) is the centrepiece when it comes to local Peninsula sporting clubs, particularly when we’re talking about facilities.
Adrian Butler Oval – Home of Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club
The club has built a strong foundation since its establishment in 1993. Originally founded as the Frankston Cricket Club (FCC) way back in 1863, the club was elevated (hence the name change) into the Premier cricket competition 30 years ago, and they haven’t looked back. Recent census data suggests that outside of the near 69% of locals who were born in Australia, the next most common countries of birth for Frankston residents are England (5.6%), New Zealand (2.6%) and India (1.2%). It’s no surprise to note that any basic google search will tell you that those three countries, along with Australia, are considered in the top five when it comes to cricket popularity.
The club is an important one for the local community. Boasting a variety of teams and programs, including both male and female programs, along with seniors and juniors, there are opportunities for players of all ages looking to get on the pitch and enjoy the game, particularly those looking to progress in the sport. “If I had to describe our club in just a few words, it would be ‘high performance’ and ‘aspirational”, said President Cameron Wallace, who caught up with us to tell us all about FPCC. “We’re really proud of what we offer in our local community, and we continue to find ways to deliver to the masses, whether that be to junior players looking to develop themselves, or senior players who have aspirations to progress to state or even national team sides in the future”.
It would be remiss of us at this stage not to mention cricket cult hero ‘Scotty Boland’, a name not unfamiliar to anyone who follows high level cricket in this country – as he is a product of the FPCC – and the club are keen to tell the world! And who wouldn’t be. Boland took the Australian Men’s Team by storm when he debuted on the biggest stage of all, the Boxing Day Test in 2021, which just happened to be part of the Ashes series against England. Boland became an instant cult hero in his first match, taking 6 wickets for just 7 runs in only 4 overs. He was later named the Johnny Mullagh Medal winner as player of the match, with the Aussies cruising to victory, winning by an inning and 14 runs as they retained the Ashes.
“The club has had a number of high-level players involved at the club over many years”, said Wallace. “We’re very proud of Scott Boland and his success, but we have been lucky to have had a great number of first class, elite level players at FPCC over the years. Jon Holland is a former Australian Test, One Day and BBL player, and other players such as Matthew Mott have had a real impact at the club as Victorian representatives. We are also proud to have helped support and develop a number of junior level Victorian players over a long period of time”.
Whilst their commitment to player development and supporting a high-performance environment is clear, the club have this year made the commitment to establish a female cricket program, particularly focused on a Female Academy to help develop female cricketers in the region. “We are preparing as a club to utilise our great facilities and resources to offer females the chance to progress as cricketers. This is a great opportunity for our club to continue providing opportunities for people to push themselves as part of their pathway to playing high level cricket. Female cricketers will have access to the best facilities the state has to offer, along with excellent coaching and club support”.
Kendall Edens - Head of Female High Performance Cricket at FPCC in 2023
The cricket facilities at FPCC HQ (Jubilee Park) are recognised as some of the best cricket assets in the state, with high-performance indoor and outdoor practice facilities and grounds. “We’ve recently had our facilities upgraded to include a brand new indoor cricket training centre and brand new third oval with turf wicket. We are also undergoing an upgrade of the club pavilion to ensure we can provide gender friendly changerooms for all of our members”.
A look at the brilliant new indoor centre at our home at Jubilee Park, Frankston
If you’re wondering what a typical week might look like at FPCC, well, it’s busy. Training takes place Monday through Thursday, with selection dinners held every Thursday before each new round begins. Matches are played on both Saturday and Sunday, making every week a big week at the club. You can hear in Cam Wallace’s voice that he is very proud of the environment and culture that FPCC have created over time at their club. “We definitely provide a high-performance environment for players who decide to become members. This is the place people come when they are looking to progress and play at the highest level of cricket in the state. It really is the gateway for talented cricketers who wish to play for Victoria, Australia and in the Big Bash”.
Although FPCC may differ slightly from other clubs who are more focused on social participation, the club are no different when it comes to the volunteer workforce that the club operate season after season. “We’re really fortunate to have a great group of volunteers who continue to support and guide the club in all areas. Dennis Prendergast was club President for 20 years and is still on the committee. He has been a key driver since the club entered Premier League competition, and has been a key leader when it comes to creating and delivering the high-performance environment here. He really has created a legacy that will never be equalled”.
Cam also mentioned key volunteers in Cliff Wright and Graeme Brewer, both Life Members who have played roles in various areas, including on match days. “We want to continue to acknowledge our volunteers and the hard work they put in at FPCC. Without them the club simply wouldn’t be able to continue providing what we do, and for that we are always so thankful”.
In addition to the volunteers that help make the club tick, the sponsors at FPCC have been, and continue to be super important. A few of note include Dunsford Financial Planning, BuildSafe, Frankston RSL and Core Fitness. “Our sponsors really look after us, and they help us ensure we can provide the very best for those who take the field at the club. We try to look after all of our sponsors, and of course, we’re always on the lookout for more”. New sponsors can expect a lot of local publicity and support from FPCC. “We have naming rights opportunities for our new Female Cricket Academy, individual sponsorship options for players, plus digital scoreboard and live stream match promotions available. Sponsors can also expect social media promotions, complimentary access to functions and attendance at a Boxing Day Test with full hospitality”.
Mark Dunsford from long-time sponsor Dunsford Financial Planning tours the new facilities at Jubilee Park Stadium in September 2023
The Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club are busily preparing for a big summer of cricket, and who wouldn’t be excited to be part of this amazing high-performance culture that is the breeding ground for elite level cricketers. With facilities and programs the envy of clubs for miles, don’t miss out on your opportunity to get on board and join the club for the coming 2023/24 – either as a player or sponsor. For more information on how to get involved, contact Club President Cameron Wallace via email, or drop in to the club to check-out what they have to offer.
Email - cwallace@bdcpartners.com.au
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