For the past 10 years primary school children have had the opportunity to participate in the Scotia Bank sponsored Kiddy Cricket Tournament. On Friday, June 22 all of the primary schools on the island gathered at the James Ronald Webster Park for the opening ceremony for the Tournament. The ceremony moderated by Mr. Cardigan Connor included addresses by Ms. Veda Harrigan of the Education Department and Mr. Valdez Johnson, a representative of the sponsor, Scotia Bank.
Mr. Connor noted that competition at this level was important as it bonds the youngsters together and helps them to understand the perspectives of the game.
Over the years, Anguilla’s Kiddy Cricket Tournament has featured young players who have developed into successful cricketers. Players such as Chesney Hughes, who now plays club cricket in England, and Omari Banks, the first Anguillian to play for the West Indies, both started their careers in the Kiddy Cricket Tournament.
Each primary school has a squad of 15 players and they are encouraged to include 4 girls. Mr. Connor mentioned that women’s cricket is an international sport, and the only way to develop it onAnguillawas to introduce it at a young age.
All participants in the Tournament are from the primary school, however the umpires are high school cricketers who are involved in the local grassroots program. According to Mr. Connor, such an opportunity gives the young umpires a greater appreciation and understanding of the game. It also creates an opportunity for the development of potential umpires for the sport.
Following the Tournament a cricket summer camp is held, in July every year, where youngsters who would like to continue playing the sport can do so. “Some may regard it as a babysitting camp,” Mr. Connor remarked, but at the end of it the young cricketers participate in an under 13 tournament in St.Kitts which is
just one of many other age group tournaments throughout the region. “We need to have youngsters who have a desire for [cricket] because in order to succeed higher up the ladder it comes with a lot of commitment,” Mr. Connor commented.
(Photos and Article courtesy Arthur Ward)
