THE Beausejour Cricket Ground will come alive today when the Northern Cluster Grassroots Cricket Programme closes its 2014 youth cricket development programme with a celebratory open house and awards ceremony.
The cricket cluster grassroots programme was one of a number set up in the region by the West Indies Cricket Board to provide quality coaching for the next generation of cricketers.
The northern cluster is headed by national cricket coach Alton Crafton and has been in existence for two years. Currently there are over 90 students enrolled in the programme, with a number of them performing outstandingly with their respective school teams, the St. Lucia and Windward Island cricket squads.
This weekend’s open house is designed to introduce the programme to the general public and to seek financial support. There will be food and drinks on sale during the open house from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Since funding for the programme has been cut by Digicel and reduced by the WICB, parents have rallied to keep the programme alive through fund-raising events, including today’s open house. A mountain bike is being raffled as part of the day’s programme. There will also be cricket matches and other fund-raising activities.
Today’s programme also includes a short awards ceremony at 3:00 p.m. recognise the young cricketers for their achievements, enthusiasm and promise.
The Northern Cluster Grassroots Cricket Programme is a not-for-profit organisation endorsed by the West Indies Cricket Board, the St. Lucia Cricket Association and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.