The BVICA’s Grassroots Cricket Programme in action at the HLSCC grounds, Paraquita Bay.

Open to boys and girls of all abilities aged seven years and upwards, the week-long camp starts on August 15th through August 20th, 2011 and will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon each day.

The Camp is completely free of charge. Refreshments and t-shirts will be provided, and transportation will be arranged from Road Town to the College and back as necessary.

Kiddy Cricket is the introductory programme featuring soft cricket balls and is a fun-orientated programme designed to encourage participation in the Caribbean sport, one which has become ingrained in the region’s culture.

One of the many youths in the Grassroots Cricket programme goes through the paces for fast bowling.

Grassroots Cricket is the next step in the development process, encouraging youths to “graduate” to the hard ball version of the game and learn more technical aspects of the sport, while still learning to have fun.

The camp will cover all aspects of the game’s basics from batting, bowling, fielding and wicket keeping. Each day will feature games as well as drills and all participants will be encouraged to enjoy team sport and social interaction. It will be conducted by fully qualified WICB local coaches and, overall, the programme will offer a fun-filled and safe environment.

President of the BVICA Shan Mohamed said the camp is a continuation of the commitment to cricket development in the territory that is shared by the association and the WICB in both Kiddy Cricket and Grassroots Cricket.

The camp will not be a “one-off” event, as starting in September, the association will continue to be active by either holding or supporting cricket sessions in various schools throughout Tortola and Virgin Gorda, as well as by continuing to hold the Grassroots Cricket Academy at the HLSCC grounds every Saturday afternoon.

The youths go through catching drills in the Grassroots Cricket Programme.

Mr. Mohamed encouraged parents and guardians to get their children involved in the programme, adding that the association is committed to seeing young people not only learn the game but also excel at all levels in the near future.

Over a dozen Kiddy Cricket sets have been delivered to schools around the Territory and upwards of 30 youths have been attending the Cricket Academy throughout the past year.

For more information and to register, please contact Daniel Singh, tel. 340-8694, or Charlie Jackson, 340-1315.