Youth Cricket Program Swings Back into Action

The Downtown Ball Park came alive on Saturday morning, May 10th, 2025, as the Youth Cricket Program kicked off its first session of the new term.

Under clear skies and with cricket balls flying, a lively group of 40 young athletes—37 from various primary schools and 3 first-form students from Long Bay High School—gathered for two hours of energetic training and spirited teamwork.

The session, which ran from 9:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m., was led by a dedicated team of instructors: Ms. Kenesha Thompson, Mr. Christopher Foster, and Mr. Garrett Campbell. Among the young players were 27 boys and 10 girls, many of whom were returning to the program after previous terms. The energy was high, especially with the arrival of five new students eager to learn the game.

The day’s activities were centered around two fundamental cricket skills: bowling and catching. The instructors began by revisiting techniques taught in previous sessions, giving students the chance to strengthen their foundation through engaging drills and minor games. These games weren’t just fun—they were carefully designed to help students apply proper techniques in real-time scenarios.

A key focus of the day was catching. The young cricketers were taught how to keep their eyes fixed on the ball, move their feet to get in position, and use soft, cupped hands to receive it. Instructors emphasized relaxing the fingers, bending the elbows to absorb the impact, and most importantly, maintaining control once the ball was caught. These lessons weren’t just repeated—they were brought to life through movement and repetition on the field.

By late morning, the group had worked their way into a friendly mini-game, giving them the chance to put their new skills into action. With laughter and encouragement echoing across the pitch, students practiced their bowling, catching, and batting. Coaches placed a strong emphasis on communication—calling for the ball, signaling teammates, and knowing when to take action on the field. There were moments of clever stumping, smart catches, and the kind of teamwork that builds confidence both in cricket and beyond.

As the session drew to a close, the students were all smiles. Their enthusiasm was evident in the feedback they shared with the instructors, who encouraged them to return the following Saturday, May 17th, and to bring friends who might enjoy the game as much as they did.

Before heading home, the young athletes were treated to refreshments—cool water, crisp apples, and bottles of Gatorade—capping off a productive and enjoyable morning at the ball park.

With the program back in motion, the future of youth cricket looks bright, and the Downtown Ball Park is once again the heartbeat of budding talent and youthful sportsmanship.