OVER 20 regional coaches, including former West Indies players, have assembled in Barbados for a high-level coaching programme to be staged over 10 days.Courtney Walsh, the legendary fast bowler and former Test captain, is one of the former players attending the Level III programme being staged at the West Indies High Performance Centre on the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies. Walsh is also a member of the WICB Selection Panel.
The other former players participating are: Winston Benjamin, Tony Gray, Robert Samuels, Colin Stuart, Ezra Moseley and Henderson Bryan. The list of attendees includes one female coach Samantha Lynch of St Vincent & the Grenadines.
The sessions are being staged by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), in collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and are a crucial component to the coaches’ education programme.
Benjamin, who played 21 Tests and 85 ODIs between 1987 and 1995 said: “This is a great course. We have gained a lot of knowledge. This course could be a springboard to better things in West Indies cricket. The coaches here are very enthusiastic and willing to learn and take the game forward.
“Coaching is what I’m all about. I love this aspect of the game and I enjoy my role. I’m happy to give back to the game. Cricket wasn’t my first love, but I was good at the game and I enjoyed my playing time. Now the time has come for me to contribute in another way to West Indies cricket.
“We have a lot of talented players, we’re never short on talent, but it’s how we harness the talent. The key is to create the environment so the players can thrive and strive for excellence.”
Samuels, 45, is a former Jamaica captain. He played six Tests and eight ODIs between 1996 and 1997. He noted: “It is really good to see the WICB and ECB putting on this Level III coaching course for the coaches of the West Indies. I believe this is a step in the right direction as we look to strengthen the game in the Caribbean. This is the way to go and I am really pleased to be part of it.
“One of the key areas were have focused on is ‘individuality’ and how to enhance the individual player’s game. We have looked at what’s best for the player and how to get the best out of that player.
“Cricket has given me everything and more, and I want to give all. I love coaching and would coach anybody anywhere to help with the development of the game.”
Among the participating coaches were Samantha Lynch, Colin Stuart, Rayon Griffith, Esaun Crandon, Julian Moore, Glen Dwarka, John Pollard, Tony Gray, Rydell Ramsarran, Robert Samuels, Cleon Smith, Junior Bennett, Gibbs Williams, Irvin Warrican, Fernix Thomas, Clifford Thomas, Steve Liburd, Pernel Watley, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin, Philip Service, Dexter Toppin, Ezra Moseley, Rohan Nurse, Henderson Bryan.