Pee Wees ‘Have A Go’ At BCB Youth Programme
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Close to 150 burgeoning young cricketers have been taking part in the Bermuda Cricket Board’s [BCB] Pee Wee ‘Have A Go’ Cricket programme, suppprted by insurance company Athene.
The local sport’s governing body have been hosting the programme during the month of March, with sessions taking place each Saturday — final session takes place March 25 — at the Bermuda College campus, with girls starting at 1 pm, followed by boys at 2.30 pm.
The programme provides a means of introducing boys and girls inclusive of ages five through seven to the sport.
‘Have A Go’ uses parts of the International Cricket Council’s [ICC] criiio cricket programme curriculum, which is designed as an eight-week lesson plan, highlighting the fundamentals of batting, bowling and fielding, as well as the basic rules of the game.
“It’s been going very well each week,” said BCB first vice-president Kellie Smith, who has been overseeing the initiative and is the chairman of development of women’s and girls’ cricket. “The criiio cricket programme provides different engaging activities introducing kids to the game in a fun way and the response has been going really well.”
Something which has added to the excitement and served as an inspiring force has been the involvement of several senior national team players since their return from participation at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier in Argentina.
“The mood of the children has been absolutely amazing,” added Smith. “They have had an absolute blast.
“We have various stations between which they rotate every few minutes.
“We always start off with a warm-up, to get the muscles ready. Then we have a catching station. We have an under-arm flip station where they collect and throw the ball underneath stumps. We have a bowling station. We have a batting station.”
The BCB has launched the criiio initiative in advance of the start of upcoming youth leagues, which will allow youngsters to showcase their talents in a team setting.
“These kids can filter into the Under-8 League, which will start on April 22 for that age group,” informed Smith.
Athene spokesperson Natasha Scotland Courcy echoed the sentiments of Smith in highlighting the success of the programme.
“The success of the 2023 Pee Wee League is a testament to the great work from everyone involved with the BCB,” read a statement from Scotland Courcy. “We are really pleased with the turnout and the impact that this program has had on Bermuda’s youth.
“Our partnership with the BCB exemplifies Athene’s effort to actively engage with the community.”
Meanwhile, Shane Hollis, an employee of Athene and head coach of Somerset Bridge Recreation Club, added how the programme will help to sustain the game at all levels, including the senior level.
“The whole point is to get more people playing cricket,” said Hollis, who is the product of a popular past sponsored youth cricket programme and who’s son is involved in the current programme. “The kids are truly enjoying a game that I grew up loving to play.
“So, it’s a great thing that’s needed. I’d love to see more cricket in schools and I think that this is the ice-breaker to even greater things.
“I remember my times of playing youth cricket and it’s only going to be a benefit if we can get a lot more kids into the sport.
“Seeing the numbers that we’re attracting at the Pee Wee tournament is really enlightening and it gives a great feeling, seeing all the smiles and watching them enjoy playing the game.”
