– 65 youths being edified on the basics of the game
Coaches and participants of the third annual BCB/Scotiabank cricket academy
The Berbice Cricket Board’s 2011 Scotiabank cricket academy was launched on Monday, August 29, at the Area ‘H’ ground, with BCB President Keith Foster challenging the 65 cricketers present to take full advantage of the opportunities being offered to them by this board.
Foster informed the attentive young cricketers that the BCB is investing heavily in youth development, since youth are the future of cricket in the Ancient County.
“The aim of the Berbice Cricket Board is to make sure that Berbice remains strong on the cricket field, while making sure that every player who represents the county fully understands his/her roles as role models and sport ambassadors,” Foster declared.
He informed the youths that more cricket clinics and seminars would be arranged before the end of the year, while the junior elite programme would continue, so as to aid their development.
Foster also stated that, with cricket being played at the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-21 levels, young cricketers in Berbice have more than enough opportunities to showcase and develop their cricketing abilities.
The coaching staff of the academy is being headed by senior coach Julian Moore, with support from coaches Winston Smith, Delbert Hicks and Renwick Batson.
Among the players attending the academy are Shailendra Shameer, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie- Kanhai, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Veerapen Permaul, Kevin Ramdeen, Dominic Rikhi, Loyydel Lewis, Phaffiana Millington, Nial Smith, Romario De Jonge, and Arif Chan. West Indies’ “A” team batsman Assad Fudadin visited the academy on Monday, August 29 and shared his vast experience with the young cricketers.
Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee, Hilbert Foster, stated that the academy will conclude on Friday, September 2, with a presentation ceremony in which representatives of Scotiabank would be present.
The 65 cricketers will be divided into two sections, with one group consisting of seasoned cricketers and the next consisting of cricketers who were attending the academy for the first time. Hilbert Foster, coordinator of the academy, said this represents the start of the BCB’s preparation for the 2012 Inter-county Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 tournaments.
Members of the academy will also be launching a Charity Trust Fund in which each cricketer will make a contribution towards assisting less fortunate children in Berbice.
