Youth Cricket in the BRAC

Malachi - “The sessions were awesome. I learnt quite a few skills. The coaches were fantastic and willing to help us.”

Criston - “I enjoyed the sessions. The coaches were full of knowledge that they imparted to us. Hopefully they can come again."

These were some of the responses from the young cricketers who participated in the two day sessions held on the playground of the Layman E Scott Senior High School on the Brac.

There was a great sense of expectation and urgency with the boys who turned up on both days for this special occasion. A total of 14 boys ranging in ages from 8- 14 attended. Local coaches Ashton Fergusson and Greg Shepherd, both police officers, were joined by national coaches Franklin Hinds and Benjamin (Bengie) Maynard, from the cricket academy on Grand Cayman. They were delighted to be on the Brac and were especially pleased with the discipline and motivation of the youngsters. Speaking to the coaches, they said, “the objective of the sessions were to promote the game on the Brac, encourage interest in this particular and exciting sport, and to identify talent with a view of promoting them into a national programme. We have seen quite a few talented youngsters with whom we desire to work with on a regular basis so that they can be inducted so to speak into an advanced programme. No doubt these guys are very talented,” they concluded.

In attending the sessions we were truly impressed with the level of professionalism amongst the coaches, as well as, their unfailing efforts to cultivate these values into the youngsters. The sessions demonstrated to the guys that no matter what type of sport it is, discipline and consistency are the two building blocks for success. The youngsters enjoyed both sessions tremendously and are hopeful that as soon as the New Year starts, the coaches can be brought over again.

Coaches Fergusson and Shepherd have been at the forefront of hosting practice sessions every Monday evening. Their commitment in this regard is admirable. Their mission is to broaden the nature of this magnificent and exciting sport, and to reach as many youngsters as possible. They are hoping that girls will eventually become a part of the sessions.

It is noteworthy that the efforts of the coaches and the future of the game has the full backing of the Sister Islands Sports Association (SASI), and Cayman Cricket Association.