With the continued support for cricket from Digicel, a programme of cricket coaching for youngsters age 7 to 18 has started at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) grounds with great success.

Following on from the highly successful Digicel Cricket Clinics held on Tortola and Virgin Gorda earlier this year, the programme known as the “Cricket Academy” is a natural progression from the work being carried out in schools as part of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports After School Programme.

The academy aims to coach youngsters in all aspects of the game and each session is run by fully qualified coaches.

“It is a lot of hard work,” said Coach Spencer Hanley, “but the kids are willing to learn and coming along nicely”.

Spencer is a well known local coach and sees the Academy as one of the best ways to re-establish cricket in the Territory.

Parents too are excited by the sessions “It’s great to see my son enjoying cricket again,” said proud dad Felix Harry.

“The coaches are teaching them a lot – and especially the fielding is looking good.”

President of HLSCC, Dr Karl Dawson has been very supportive of the Academy and the College ground provides a perfect backdrop for the sessions.

D’Andre Davies also attends the weekly sessions and is enthused over how much he has learnt

“So far I think that the cricket is good and I’m learning more and more,” Davies stated.

Jason Browne was also enthusiastic about attending the Academy and stated that it is great that the academy was in progress.

“We all benefit greatly from this and having two good coaches makes a difference – all in all a good job” he added

Support from Digicel through its commitment to the BVI Cricket Association will provide a much needed boost to grass roots cricket development in the Territory and will enable the youngsters to represent the Territory competitively – especially in the Leeward Islands Tournaments. As the Academy grows a sister programme will be launched on Virgin Gorda to assist Timon Robinson, who is already coaching a group of youths.

Links will be established with the Keith Athurton Academy, which is also supported by Digicel, so the best players will be able to train in St Kitts every year, the BVI Cricket Association stated.

The Academy runs every Saturday at the college from 1pm until 3 pm.

The cost of each session is $10 – which includes refreshments, t shirts and use of equipment.

Boys and girls wishing to attend can show up at the college on Saturdays where they will be greeted by Academy secretary, Liz Periera. For more information and registration forms please contact the Dept of Youth Affairs and Sports on 494 6860 or the cricket office on 340-1315.

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