Cricket-Youth development programme in full swing |11 May 2005

Schoolchildren are being encouraged to make use of the free cricket coaching lessons run by the association on Saturdays. These are organised every alternate Saturday at the Freedom Square ground.

Tennis ball cricket coaching is drawing great interest and there is good participation of young enthusiasts.

The last event attracted around 35 budding enthusiasts. Considering that the youth development programme is in full swing and judging from the great enthusiasm shown by youths aged four and over, the association hopes that coaching young players will turn out to be an exciting sporting event of the year.

With the opinion that cricket develops dedication, stamina and understanding which in turn help develop the personality of young people, the SCA wants to bring the sport to more schools next year.

Once Seychellois cricketers have developped all the qualities of good players, Seychelles teams can look forward to play against teams from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England and the West Indies.

It might take a while, but Seychellois youths have the potential to live the dream. This can only happen if cricket coaching is taken seriously at a young age.

According to Patrick Thomas, who is in charge of youth development within the association, Saturday morning cricket coaching is an interesting event and explained that the association’s focus this year is the promotion of cricket among kids.

This is why the SCA is encouraging parents to send their children in numbers for future training sessions.

Therefore, parents are once again being called upon to give their children this unique opportunity to learn a new sport.

Coaching is done free of charge by a group of expert players who have a wealth of experience and knowledge after having played cricket in various parts of the world and at different levels. There is no age limit and Seychellois are encouraged to participate. The next coaching session will take place on Sunday May 14 at the Freedom Square ground, starting at 9.30 a.m.