Doonside Cricket Club

Doonside Cricket Club, established in 1975, is a proud and thriving sports club located in Sydney, Australia. Founded by Keith Skeen, Darryl Channells, and M Leo, the club was built on the principles of hard work and community spirit. The initial aim of the club was to provide a dedicated cricketing platform for the residents of Doonside, as they felt that the existing Blacktown City and Blacktown Workers clubs did not adequately represent their suburb.

Over the years, Doonside Cricket Club has grown significantly and now caters to players of all levels and age groups. From Milo in2CRICKET and T20 Blast for young beginners to Juniors (U/10 – U/16) and Seniors for more experienced players, the club boasts a diverse membership base of over 100 players. What sets Doonside apart is its strong emphasis on family, with the majority of players being part of multi-generational cricketing families. It is not uncommon to see fathers playing alongside their sons, and even grandsons participating in the club's activities.

In 2016, Doonside Cricket Club celebrated its 40th anniversary with pride. The anniversary was commemorated at the Blacktown Workers Club, where the club's rich history and contributions were acknowledged. To further honour the dedication and loyalty of its members, the club recognises and awards lifetime memberships to those who have played for a minimum of 20 years. Some esteemed lifetime members include Darryl Channells, Keith Skeen, George Maddock, Paul Deal, and Julie Maddock, among others.

As an affiliated member of the Blacktown City & District Cricket Association, Doonside Cricket Club actively participates in its competitions. The club's fixture for the 1975 season can be viewed on the association's website, providing transparency and ease of access to match schedules and results. To maintain the spirit of cricket and ensure fair play, all players are required to adhere to the association's code of conduct. The code can be accessed on the association's website or directly downloaded for reference.

Doonside Cricket Club places a strong emphasis on the safety and well-being of its junior players. In line with Cricket NSW policy, the club follows stringent guidelines to ensure the protection and welfare of its young cricketers. A Fair Play/Child Safe Officer is appointed to oversee these matters, and any concerns or queries can be directed to Nathan Van De Poll via email.

Doonside Cricket Club is located at Kareela Reserve, a well-equipped home ground that offers a convenient and accessible location. Situated just five minutes away from Doonside train station, the ground is easily reachable and can be found near the junction of Knox Road and Eastern Road traffic lights, with entry from Eastern Road. The club takes pride in its facilities, which provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for players, officials, and spectators alike.

Overall, Doonside Cricket Club is a thriving and inclusive community of cricket enthusiasts in Sydney. With its rich history, commitment to fair play, and dedication to players of all ages and skill levels, the club continues to foster a positive and welcoming environment for cricketers and their families.