CG, CWI partner with BCB to foster Bermuda’s talent, passion for cricket
This initiative, being undertaken in tandem with the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), and Bermuda Government’s Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, is not only aimed at fostering talent and passion for the sport, but also leverages CG’s longstanding relationship with CWI to bring advanced coaching and support to Bermuda.
Through this collaboration, Bermuda’s young cricketers will benefit from expert coaching and guidance, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel. The initiative will culminate on July 25, at the Annual Summer Day Camp Mini Cup Classic, where youth cricket campers will showcase their talents on a level playing field in an event sponsored this year by CG.
Two distinguished CWI coaches, Ryan Austin and Britney Cooper, will lead the coaching sessions.
Austin, an Assistant Coach and Specialist Spin Bowling Coach, has a wealth of experience, having completed the CWI Level Three Coaching qualification in 2023. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach for the senior West Indies women's team and previously worked with the West Indies male and female Under-19 and Academy Programmes.
Meanwhile, Cooper represented West Indies women’s team in 125 matches across a 12-year career and was a key player in their 2016 T20 World Cup-triumph. Over the past year, she has contributed to the CWI HP pathway, assisting the female Under-19 and Academy/Emerging Player programmes.
Naz Farrow, CEO of CG, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.
“Our goal has always been to leverage our relationship with Cricket West Indies to support and develop cricket in Bermuda, our home country. We aim to instil a deep love and excitement for our national game among the youth, fostering a lifelong passion for cricket,” Farrow said.
“The support given to this year’s Government Summer Day Campers and the CG-sponsored Mini Cup match is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Additionally, the opportunity for Bermuda Cricket Board's coaches and players to interact with CWI coaches is a fantastic bonus, and we look forward to the positive impact of this initiative,” she added.
Bermuda Cricket Board’s Calvin Blankendal also expressed excitement.
“We are grateful to CG for facilitating the arrival of these advanced coaches to Bermuda. Their expertise will be invaluable to our local players and coaches, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit Bermuda cricket for years to come,” he noted.
For Senator Owen K. Darrell JP, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the initiative will go a far way in leaving a lasting impact.
“We are thrilled that CG has taken the initiative to foster a love for cricket among our youth. The collaboration with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the expert coaching from CWI will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our local campers and coaches. We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and skills that this programme will inspire,” Darrell said.
Finally, CG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and developing Bermuda’s cricketing talent through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting cricket among Bermuda’s youth, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed on and off the field.