Our History

The Sydney Junior Winter Cricket Association Inc. evolved from a social cricket competition organised in 2004 by Association founder Sam Almaliki and friends in the St George region of Sydney. Following early success at a social level, Sydney’s first and only junior winter cricket competition was formally established in 2005 under the name All Stars Winter Cricket Association Inc.

Over the next three years, the Association experienced strong growth beyond the St George district, expanding from 90 players in 2005 to nearly 500 players by 2008. During this period, the competition developed a strong culture built on inclusiveness, fairness, and the belief that cricket should always be played in the right spirit.

At the 2008 Annual General Meeting, a proposal put forward by Association President Sam Almaliki to expand across the greater Sydney metropolitan area was endorsed. This milestone led to the Association being renamed the Sydney Junior Winter Cricket Association Inc., along with the introduction of geographic zones, initially the Western and Central Zones.

With an expanding footprint across Sydney, the 2009 season saw close to 600 players take part in what was one of the Association’s most successful and exciting competitions. The year concluded with celebrations marking the Association’s 5th Anniversary.

Also in 2009, the Association was formally recognised and affiliated with the NSW Districts Cricket Association Inc.. Building on this momentum, the competition expanded further in 2010 into Western Sydney, including areas such as Penrith and Blacktown, and established clubhouse headquarters at Schell Park, Liverpool.

In early 2014, leadership changes followed Sam Almaliki’s move to Melbourne to take up a role with Cricket Australia. Rob Stevenson assumed the role of President, supported by Deenu Rajaratnam and Andrew Percy. Under this leadership group, the Association has continued to grow steadily, now supporting over 170 teams and more than 1,500 players competing across all regions of Sydney.

Looking ahead, the Association remains committed to working closely with Cricket NSW and other grassroots cricket organisations to ensure the continued growth and long-term success of junior winter cricket in Sydney.