CEO of Global Seafood Distributor Allison Butters-Grant (left) presents the cheque to MSC secretary Adrian Smith in the presence of young cricketers and officials of the club and sponsors.
The Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) yesterday launched its U17 cricket coaching programme at its Thomas Lands facility.
The programme which will commence at 15:00 hrs on Monday will be supervised by former Guyana first class batsman Mark Harper and is being sponsored by Global Sea Food Distributors and co-sponsored by Noble House Sea Foods.
MSC secretary Adrian Smith expressed gratitude to the sponsors and said the programme is designed to produce rounded individuals. He urged the youths to take the game and their education seriously. “Cricket and Education go together so you should remain disciplined and committed,” he said referring to Steven Jacobs one of the club’s leading players who is currently pursuing a degree at the University of the West Indies.
Chief Executive Officer of Global Seafood Distributors Allison Butters-Grant said it’s an honour to be a sponsor and looks forward to a successful programme. She advised the youths to work diligently towards their goals and remain discipline, while Piercy Corlette of Noble House Sea Foods said he is happy that the youths are involved.
The MSC is the first club to stage an official academy in the West Indies and it lasted for 15 years. Coach Harper thanked the MSC for affording him the opportunity to be part of the clinic. He noted the importance of such a programme stating that one of his objectives is to develop capable U15, 17 and 19 teams. Harper who is accredited by the WICB and ECB explained that 70% of cricket is being played above the shoulders and cricketers must be able to analyse game situations. Ball handling skills, fitness, Game sense, Field placing and cricket education, Healthy Life Style and Nutrition are among the items listed.
The programme is also expected to be held in schools involving current national players. (Zaheer Mohamed)