Future Stars! Participants of the FSCC demonstrate the bat lift and follow through under the watchful eye of coach Garvin Nedd.

THE Future Stars Cricket Camp (FSCC), now in its sixth year, got under way on Monday and organiser of the programme, Edwin Seeraj, has raised some concerns over the underdevelopment of the fine motor skills of the participants.

Seeraj, who is assisted by former national cricketer Garvin Nedd, acknowledged that while some national cricketers, like Guyana opening batsman Shemroy Barrington and Troy Cornelius, among many others, have emerged from the FSCC, many of the participants of the past three years lacked physical alacrity. He attributed this inactivity of the children to the “lesson syndrome” and the plethora of indoor games.

In his assessment also, these problems are mostly found in the participants from the “premier primary schools”. He was adamant, however, that under the tutelage of coach Nedd and other resource personnel who may be coming in as the camp progresses, the youth participants will improve.

When asked what the FSCC hopes to achieve from this ongoing project, Seeraj stated that he hopes other national players will emerge and, hopefully, go on to play at the highest level. Further, he also stated that even if the youths do not go on to play the game they will be able to appreciate the beauty of the game.

The programme which has attracted over 50 participants has two age groups, the 8-11 and the 12-15. Participants will be taught the rudiments of the game until August 7 when the programme ends.

In addition, participants will become au fait with the laws and the history of cricket.

He stated that the practical aspect of the game will commence shortly when the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) ground is cut. He said that the inclement weather is hampering the practical part of the programme especially since the participants are working on the walkway that has limited space.

He noted that the youths have been showing great interest in learning the game holistically and therefore the team at the FSCC will continue to work to ensure that the participants learn as much during the three weeks.