When the town with one of the largest population base in the Shoalhaven is struggling for numbers you have to worry about what is going to happen in the future.

The proud Nowra Cricket Club, on Tuesday night, announced it would not be able to field a team in first grade and its junior base is also struggling.

Nowra is not the only club short on numbers and given the sport’s many health benefits it’s a shame more juniors are not playing cricket.

Cricket teaches junior players the importance of teamwork, gets them out doing exercise and the players make, in many cases, life-long friends.

Junior cricket, at its purest level, is not about winning – it's about participation and getting outside for a few hours away from electronic devices.

It was not all that long ago when all clubs were doing well with huge numbers in both the senior and junior grades.

It was only about 10-years-ago that many clubs had so many juniors in their ranks that they had players share time on the field.

Now some teams struggle to get the bare number of 11 players on the field and sometimes have to borrow players from the opposition to fill in the gaps.

While the numbers are down it's not all doom and gloom.

The modified under 11s competition is looking strong and the Milo cricket programs, which most clubs have, also has high participation rates.

If you want to see how much fun junior cricket can be then you really should check out the Milo program or a modified under 11s match.

These young players really enjoy themselves and their parents or carers also get caught up in the spirit of things as well.

The trick is getting these players to stay with the sport, particularly when they reach their teenage years.

Another good thing about junior cricket is girls can play against boys, and many fantastic players like Chantelle Downey and Naomi Woods are match winners.

The playing of sport in all levels should be encouraged. Many people say cricket is boring – like watching grass grow.

However, if you give this great summer sport a chance and get involved with one of the local clubs then the rewards are numerous and positive.