Youth Program – HCCA Academy
USA Cricket development hub – structured coaching and competitive play for ages 8–15
HCCA's Youth Cricket Program is an official USA Cricket development hub serving 60+ young cricketers across multiple age groups. We provide structured coaching, competitive opportunities, and character development through the sport of cricket.
Our program emphasizes skill development, fitness, game awareness, and sportsmanship—building not just better cricketers, but better individuals.
Questions about age groups or training? Ask the HCCA Concierge
Youth cricket in Austin & Central Texas
HCCA Youth Academy for families in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto & Williamson County
Parents often search for youth cricket in Austin, kids cricket near Round Rock, or a USA Cricket pathway in Central Texas. Hill Country Cricket Association (HCCA) is the nonprofit home of organized youth cricket here: structured coaching, age groups (including U11, U13, and U15 tracks), and progression into competitive play—all aligned with our Code of Conduct and club governance.
If you are new to the area, start with membership & registration, browse where we train and play (Hill Country Cricket Ground and Hutto Cricket Ground), and read our full program structure below. Adult league play for family members is through APCL on our Adult Cricket page.
Quick answers (local search)
Where is youth cricket in Austin? HCCA operates as a Central Texas club with primary grounds in Round Rock and Hutto—serving families from Austin and surrounding communities.
What ages can join? Our academy focuses on structured pathways for school-age players; see Age groups & structure for detail.
How does this relate to APCL? APCL is HCCA’s adult weekend T20 league. Youth players progress through the academy; advanced HCCA Starz U15 players may earn coached exposure opportunities as part of long-term development readiness.
From academy training to higher competition
Our youth journey is built for progression: fundamentals, match awareness, tournament experience, and advanced preparation through HCCA Starz. For U15 players, the goal is to prepare them for higher levels of cricket with strong technical, tactical, and behavioral standards.
As players mature, selected U15 Starz cricketers can be considered for structured exposure around the adult APCL environment. APCL matches are played at both HCCG and Hutto Cricket Ground, giving families a clear view of the next-stage playing ecosystem in Central Texas.
Skill Progression Pathway
A clear pathway from first steps to tournament play
Beginner
Introduction to cricket basics, safety, grip, stance, and fundamental fielding with tennis balls
Intermediate
Technical refinement, hardball introduction, game rules, legal bowling action, defensive batting
Advanced
Competitive skills, fitness standards (YoYo), tactical awareness, swing/spin, match preparation
Tournament-Ready
Regional & national competition, USA Cricket pathways, peak performance, team representation
Age Groups & Structure
U11 & U13
Skill progression, hardball introduction, structured coaching, tournament participation
U15
Advanced techniques, competitive cricket, regional tournaments, USA Cricket pathways
Program Highlights
Fundamentals
Proper grip, stance, batting technique, bowling action, fielding posture, throwing accuracy
Game Awareness
Rules, match strategies, role-based cricket, reading game situations, decision-making
Fitness & Conditioning
YoYo fitness testing, agility drills, strength training, injury prevention, endurance
Competitive Play
Internal games, inter-hub tournaments, regional competitions, national championships
Professional Coaching
Certified coaches, skill-based progression, quarterly assessments, individual feedback
Character Development
Sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, discipline, leadership, cultural appreciation
Session Structure & Curriculum
How Sessions Work
Warm-up & Fitness
15–20 minYoYo tests, agility drills, stretching
Fielding & Fitness
25–30 minGround fielding, catching, throwing accuracy
Nets & Skills
25–30 minBatting, bowling in nets, role-based drills
Match Simulation
20 minGame-based scenarios, internal matches
Training Schedule
U11 & U13
- 📅 2 sessions per week
- ⏱️ 90–120 min each
- 📊 ~50 sessions per year
- 💰 $1,100/year — Full payment (Zelle) or 4 payments (PayPal): $575 now + $275 each Apr 15, July 15, Sept 15; HUB $125 when participating
- 👥 Small group coaching
- 🛡️ Age-appropriate equipment
U15
- 💰 $750/year (2 parts: Part 1 now, Part 2 June 15)
- 📅 1 session per week
- ⏱️ 90–120 min each
- 📊 ~25 sessions per year
- 👥 Dedicated U15 sessions
- 🏆 Tournament-focused prep
50/50 Training Split
Coaching Levels & Progression
| Level Transition | Fielding | Fitness (YoYo) | Batting | Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner → L1 | Understand rules, ground fielding (tennis balls), correct throwing/catching | Hardball conditioning initiated | Correct grip, defend/play tennis ball | Legal bowling action |
| L1 → L2 | Pro ground fielding (30 yards), accurate throws (60 yards) | 13.5 (3x in a row) | Defend 50 Mph, rotate strike, punish full toss/short balls | Complete over without extras, Fast ≥50 Mph OR consistent spin |
| L2 → L3 | Pro catching (30 yards), ground fielding (60 yards) | 14.5 (3x in a row) | Defend 60 Mph, SR 85, drive/cut/pull/sweep, 2 fifties in internal games | Fast ≥55 Mph OR spin variations, Economy ≤6 in internal games |
| L3 → Graduate | Pro high catches (60 yards), throw accurately from 60 yards | 16+ (5x in a row) | Defend 70 Mph, SR 100, clear 30 yards, best batter award, 10x 50-run partnerships | Fast ≥65 Mph OR spin control, best bowler award, Economy <5 in 10 matches, Conference selection |
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Players assessed quarterly. Training assigned by skill level, not age group. Tournaments remain age-group based (U11/U13/U15).
Player Feedback & Tracking
Monthly/quarterly feedback to parents. Metrics tracked: sessions attended, areas to improve, offline drills, YoYo scores. First assessment Q1 (approximately April). New players start at Beginner level, transition after assessment.
📥 Download Full Curriculum
Get the complete HCCA Cricket Coaching Curriculum 2026 presentation with detailed session plans, assessment criteria, and coaching standards.
Download Youth Program (PowerPoint) Download Curriculum (Word)Recent Achievements
HCCA Starz — 2025 MLK Jr National Tournament Champions!
Our U13 team brought home the national title, competing against top cricket academies from across the United States.
National Runner-Up
U13 team placed 2nd at Fall 2024 National Youth Cricket Tournament
USA Cricket Hub
Official USA Cricket youth development hub recognition
School Partnership
Leander ISD PE credit program — expanding to additional school districts
Regional Representation
Conference-level representation in regional competitions across Texas
Questions? See our FAQ for parents on costs, registration, and more.
Register for Youth Program