THE REVIVAL of regional cricket requires an investment in the talent of the young children who must be lured back to the game, and involved in development programs.
This is the view of Richard Ramkissoon, president and coach of Central Sports Cricket Club, the reigning TT Cricket Board T20 Festival champs.
He was speaking as the Chaguanas West constituency's annual cricket camp continued on Sunday under brilliant sunshine at the Invaders Recreation Ground in Felicity.
“In order to change the fortunes of local and West Indies cricket we need to look to the youngsters, they are the future, and where development starts,” said Ramkissoon who conceptualised the camp for children five to 17 years old.
Together with Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally, the camp has been running since July 16, every Sunday from 9 am to noon, and will end August 20.
“Future success lies in camps," he said, adding that windows of opportunity have been opened for youths.
Ramkissoon also sees a bright future for young girls who are increasingly becoming involved in the game and have gravitated towards Central Sports.
“We were the first club in the region to include females in our reserve team playing alongside the young men, and apart from concerns from some quarters of the cricket community, the TTCB ruled that the constitution does not restrict our revolutionary initiative,” said Ramkissoon.
Central Sports had immediate success winning the Reserve League and is now looking ahead to fielding a team in the TT Women’s Cricket Association competitions in 2024.
This would be a major achievement for Central Sports as it will be the first top tier Premier League club to launch a female team.
Ramkissson paid tribute to his cadre of coaches including national stars Rayad Emrit and Imran Khan, two of the most successful cricketers in TT cricket.
They have been assisted by fellow Central Sports players Kjorn Ottley, Kamil Pooran, Christopher Ramsaran and top cricket development coach Amin Forgenie.
He said Anil Lakhan, also known as “Dungi” has been doing an exceptional job coaching the female cricketers and he is very enthusiastic on the future of that programme.
Rambally says the camp allows the youngsters to embrace the opportunity to learn the rudiments of the game from accomplished cricketers, as well as develop their motor skills, and have fun.
He said the reputation of the camp since its inaugural run last year has travelled far and wide, and attracts participants from La Brea, Point Fortin, San Fernando, Biche, and Central Trinidad.
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