IS modern technology suppressing the mental, physical and emotional development of today's youth?

Every task nowadays can seemingly be achieved through the touch of one's finger on phones, tablets or laptops.

But, on the flip side, I've come across kids who struggle with basic movement – catching and throwing – which when I was young used to develop naturally without a child even knowing it.

Everyday life now is about speed, but to develop children takes time, patience and discipline.

I am now in my third season as manager/coach of Farnworth Social Circle Under-9s, and, finally, we are starting to see the benefits of the effort both I and the players have put into the initial stage of their cricket development.

But, more importantly, we have put in place positive building blocks that will help them through this and future stages of their life.

This week I have been asked to coach Little Hulton U9s.

Does that represent a conflict of interest? Not for me. I put children's development before area, league or club bias.

We need to get kids playing sport more than ever with obesity, crime and mental health problems at record levels for our youth.

Turning to my role as Little Hulton's Sunday team captain, we had no game again last Sunday.

League format, withdrawals and weather have played havoc with our fixtures this season, and it will not be until June 10 that we make our on-field league debut in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

On a brighter note, Little Hulton's Ben Hamilton has been selected for Lancashire U12s squad.

Great credit should go to Ben and his family for this special achievement.

The county call-up means he is now available to play for the club's senior squads.