'We need to have a quality succession plan'

WEDNESDAY, SEP. 12: National cricket coach David Moore said the academy system is absolutely critical if Bermuda is going to have success at the international level.

There will be open trials for youth wishing to play for the National Cricket Academy squads in three age categories.

The Bermuda Cricket Board is looking for dedicated youngsters in the Under-13, Under-15s and Under-19s to take part.

“We really need to have a quality succession plan in place so these guys have an opportunity when it’s offered to them. It’s always very satisfying when you see the kids come through and developing nicely.”

Bermuda has already seen some of the benefits through the likes of Joshua Gilbert, Tre Manders, Kamau Leverock, Lateef Trott and the like.

“The programme is already having positive benefits for our young cricketers. Jordan Smith (Under 18 and Under 15 squads) and Rudy Butterfield (Under 15 squad) have won scholarships to private schools in the UK through their cricket skills.”

Moore said the BCB needed to get the cricketers as young as possible.

“We need to get them to understand cricket as a game and develop their technique and their match awareness; get them to develop the culture that we want. If we can get them to do that, then there should be a seamless succession between retirees and the young players coming in.

Moore said: “The BCB is continually building upon the progress that is made in the development of young people both as cricketers and productive members of Bermudian society. We are continuing to spread the net wide to give young cricketers the opportunity of elite coaching and character development by having these selection trials.

He said it was key to have these trials be open as to cast a wide net in trying to find the best young cricket talent Bermuda has to offer.

He said this will allow kids who love cricket to come forward but it also helps the BCB to be transparent.

“It’s about giving everyone an opportunity and being fair.”

The cutoff date for the various squads: Under 13 (born on or after September 1, 1999)
, Under 15 (born on or after September 1, 1997)
and Under 19 (born on or after September 1, 1993).

The BCB National Academy Trials take place at the Berkeley nets as follows: Under 13s on Sunday, September 23 from 10am to 12pm and Sunday September 30 from 10am to 12pm.

The Under-15s on Sunday, September 23 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and Sunday, September 30 from 12:30pm – 2:30pm. The Under-19s on Friday, September 21 from 5pm to 7pm and Friday, September 28 from 5pm to 7pm.

In order to take part in the trials players are required to e-mail the BCB office on [email protected] or call 292-8958 with the name, age-group, contact number and e-mail address.