WHILE some of the various national age group cricket tournaments have started around the country, many other school cricketers are preparing for next year.
There are always unlucky players who miss out on provincial selection at this time of the year, but the coaches are urging them to start working at their game and put the record straight next year.
Schools are closing for the holidays today, but it is still a very important time for young sports stars, especially the cricketers.
Those lucky to be involved at the national weeks will be out to prove they can step up to a higher level while others will be hard at work to make a bigger impression in the new year.
It seems kids are never too young to start playing cricket in the modern era. Many successful school careers on the cricket field started with Mini-Cricket.
More than 120 kids who were introduced to the sport through the mini-cricket programme which started in 1982, went on to play cricket at a national level.
The Nelson Mandela Bay youngsters must make sure they are available on 15 March next year.
The KFC Mini-Cricket Festivals for the season 2024/’25 have already started at various venues all over the country, but Eastern Province (EP) will have to wait till March to host their tournament.
All indications are it will be one of the biggest and best Mini-Cricket Festivals ever hosted in Gqeberha, with a renewed commitment from EP Cricket to nurture young talent.
A seminar about Mini-Cricket was held at St George’s Park and EP will be ready to host a great day.
The EP coaches at these festivals are highly rated and many have received prestigious Cricket South Africa awards for their efforts over the years.
These festivals are for children of all skill levels. They give the players the platform to learn the basics of cricket in a fun, engaging environment.
The spirit of cricket will be celebrated, while camaraderie and a love for the game will be promoted.
Participants can enjoy a day of batting, bowling and fielding, where they can grow as future stars of the cricket fields.
They will be individually assisted in the technical aspects of their game by the coaching staff, but that won’t be all.
Values which are important to succeed on the sports field will also come into play.
The participants will learn how to operate in a team environment, to be disciplined on and off the field, and to come back strongly after a disappointment.
It also gives the coaches a chance to identify possible future leaders at a young age. Those confident enough to lead their mates will be helped to develop those leader qualities.
Although the focus is on cricket and the nurturing of young talent, this programme has become more than just a sports initiative.
It also aims to instil life-long values in the children through cricket.
The EP u/19 players will require all those skills to be successful in the last national school weeks of the year.
Tomorrow the Girls’ Week starts in Durban and will continue till Monday.
Monday sees the start of the Khaya Majola Week for the boys in Cape Town.
