Free ‘Have-A-Go’ Cricket Program
The Bermuda Cricket Board [BCB] announced that the free Pee Wee ‘Have-a-go’ Cricket Program for children ages 5 – 7 will take place at Berkeley Institute Gym every Saturday, starting on March 17 and finishing on April 14, 2012. The sessions will run as follows: 5-year-olds – 1.30pm – 2.30pm, 6-7-year-olds – 3.00pm – 4.00pm
During the session, the players will be introduced to the basics of cricket with the main aim of having fun. Utilising the ‘Have-a-go’ Cricket equipment, coaches will work with the players on learning the basics skills of catching, bowling and batting with the aim of playing a game in the last session. The emphasis of ‘Have-a-go’ Cricket is on participation and enjoyment.
This year parents are encouraged to volunteer during the 5 week workshop at each station and will also be able to attend a cricket training session run by National Coach, David Moore.
Coach Moore will teach the basic drills and games which they can take home to practice with their children. On the last day parents and their children will participate in a parent/child fun session, which they work alongside the children doing the drills. This will be used to further strengthen the relationship between parent and child through cricket.
Mr. Lloyd Fray, President of the BCB, said: ”This is one of the BCB’s most popular program with it being fully subscribed for the past three years. The aim of the program is to introduce 5-7 year olds to the basics of cricket and for them to continue playing cricket entering our Under 8, Under 11, Under 14 and Under 17 programs as they progress into early adulthood. Of these players, the most talented ones will enter into our National Academy Program.”
Mr. Fray continued, “The National U15, U19 and Senior Team players volunteer as peer mentors to all our young Pee Wee Cricketers during each session. The national team players are valuable role models and peer leaders to the next generation of young cricketers. Research show that mentoring helps kids at risk. The benefits of mentoring include higher self-esteem and more self-confidence because mentors give children courage and an extra support system.”
This is music to my ears. In any economy, particulalrly the one that we currently live in, money should never be an obstacle to kids participation in sport. Sadly that has been the case for far to long on this island. So good for you BCB, good for you.