Free State Cricket (FSC) has received a boost in the form of equipment to fast-track the growth and development of local talent.
The sporting equipment meant for use by the Rocklands hub in Bloemfontein will serve to continue the tradition of unearthing and nurturing talented players.
Courtesy of the Sun Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein, the equipment was presented to the FSC on 23 November.
The donated sports equipment include numerous cricket bats, pads, gloves, helmets, and wicket-keeping gloves.
This donation is part of an initiative to bolster cricket development at grassroot level, especially at schools across the province.
The Rocklands hub, a feeder to the senior team, currently has a total of 102 players, which includes both boys and girls of different age groups.
“We really appreciate the assistance of the casino in developing our cricketers at grassroot level and we know that not only will they benefit, but they will surely improve on the field of play,” said Xander Snyders, president of FSC.
“We hope this initiative will not only end with the Rocklands hub, but also be extended to other hubs within the province,” he concluded.
“This is the first time that we get to participate at such a level where we, as a stakeholder, shake hands with the FSC and take the opportunity to reach out to the community especially when it comes to the development of young cricketers,” said Johan Oosthuizen, the casino’s general manager.
The FSC’s youth development programme runs in previously disadvantaged townships, targeting upcoming players who are mentored with the aim of them reaching their full potential.
