January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Logie enthused about big turnout for youth cricket
The cricket board is running its most comprehensive domestic youth programme in years with 16 teams signed up for the under-10 league, 10 for the under-13s and eight for the under-16s.
The season is scheduled to start on April 27.
National team coach Gus Logie, whose role extends to overseeing all aspects of cricket in Bermuda, met with the coaches this week and urged them to teach kids the right habits and the right attitude from an early age.
He said the turn out at the meeting and the number of kids signed up for the league was a very good sign.
"I am really enthused by that. It really shows that something positive has happened in the last couple of years.
"I hope this enthusiasm continues throughout the season. The youngsters are fortunate to have so many people committed to helping them achieve their potential."
Logie said he was overseeing the pipeline from the playing fields to the national team.
But he said it was not just about cricket.
"Personal development is just as important. When you are dealing with young people its about making sure they learn the right attitude and approach which they can carry through in their lives.
"The main thing for them is to be enthusiastic, enjoy the game and learn as much as they can."
Logie said the main concern was that the early season enthusiasm would wane and teams would drop out as the season progressed - a factor which has blighted previous attempts to resuscitate the island's youth cricket programme. "We can't allow that to happen. The main thing is continuity. This can be something that will be an asset to Bermuda year after year."
The initial league will end in June, though the board may start a summer league if there is enough interest.
The under-10 game is all about participation and introducing youngsters to cricket.
The 20-over-a-side games will be played from 5.15 until 7pm on Wednesday evenings with soft-core cricket balls on a shortened pitch. Every player bowls at least one over and coaches are urged to rotate their batting order to allow everyone a chance to play throughout the season.
The league will also feature a girls team from the Bermuda High School, with the BCB raising the age limit by two years for the side. For the under-13s it is still 20 overs a side but a proper cricket ball is used. Under 16s play 30 overs-a-side.[[In-content Ad]]
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