The future of Barbados’ cricket left the island yesterday for Guyana where the best Under-13 players will engage the hosts in a number of development matches from December 13 to 20.
The tour which has been organised between the Barbados Cricket Association and the Guyana Cricket Board has been described by international coach Roderick Estwick as a key developmental stage where the correct habits and disciplines are instilled in the young talent.
Speaking to Saturday Sport before the team left Barbados, Estwick said: “This tour is aimed at developing our young players while instilling discipline right now. If you can start at this early age it will be a lot easier going through the different age groups.
“These players will graduate to the Under-15s and beyond. Once we continue to instil that discipline we will achieve our goals. I love developing youngsters, shaping lives, careers.
“This is something that I am always upbeat about and I am always looking forward to it. People think it is a challenge, but it is not a challenge. It is something that you should embrace to see persons going on not only to succeed in cricket but in life.
“Look at the West Indies teams and other teams around the world which I was involved with. You feel a sense of pride when players that you impacted achieve great success. Just look at Justin (Greaves) who scored that double hundred. I can remember coaching him from his young days from 11 at Combermere and seeing him develop is fantastic.”
Estwick said many of the players were leaving the island for the first time and they would need the help of management to guide them correctly.
“If no teaching takes place no learning takes place. To go away at 13 to represent Barbados is a wonderful opportunity. But our management team know that the kids will make one or two mistakes along the way.
“They will want to stay up as long as possible. Our role will be to fully explain to them the importance of being well prepared, totally rested for the assignments ahead,” he said.
A large number of parents along with the BCA’s operations manager Wendell Coppin were present at the Grantley Adams International Airport to see the contingent off. Included among the well wishers was Veronica Annel-Agard, the principal of the Princess Margaret Secondary School who went to give support to her student Nathan Kirton. (KB)
SQUAD: Avery Boyce (Combermere), Jon-David Greene (Harrison College), Anarhi Hinds (Alexandra), Tanari Hunte (Graydon Sealy), Kijani Inniss (Graydon Sealy), Ky-Mani Inniss (Lodge), Oliver King (Harrison College) Nathan Kirton (Princess Margaret), Natarie Lavine (Alleyne), Niako Patterson (Deighton Griffith), Z’Dari Scantlebury (Lodge), Liam Sookram (Combermere), Jaheim Springer (Coleridge & Parry), Kaedon Wilkinson (Combermere).
Management Unit: Roderick Estwick (Head Coach), Dexter Toppin (Assistant Coach), Sherwin Greene (Manager)
