-Meets with President Ali

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) intends to further develop cricket for both young male and young female players through the establishment of 18 cricket academies.

President of the GCB, Bissoondyal Singh, made the disclosure yesterday during a meeting with the President of Guyana, H.E. Dr Irfaan Ali.

Singh said that the aim is to give opportunities to budding players from the ages of 7-17.

Training will take place three times per week (after school) and on Saturday mornings.

Depending on the size of the classes, the Board would make the necessary adjustments in terms of coaches needed, etc.

Of the academies, seven are earmarked for Essequibo, five for Demerara and six for Berbice.

Essequibo’s academies are slated for Bartica, Leguan, Wakenaam, North Essequibo, South Essequibo, East Bank Essequibo and Pomeroon.

In Demerara, academies will take place in Georgetown, on the East Coast, East Bank, West Demerara and in Upper Demerara/Linden.

In Berbice, academies are allocated for West Berbice, New Amsterdam, Central Corentyne, Upper Corentyne and two other locations still to be decided.

MEETING WITH PRESIDENT ALI
During the meeting with President Ali at State House in Georgetown, the Cricket Board members were told that the government will continue to make the necessary interventions to support the growth of cricket in the country.

President Ali also challenged the GCB to think outside of the box and to formulate initiatives to further propel the sport to greater heights.

Singh said that the Board was grateful to the President for accommodating them and for establishing a “direct relationship”. He said that they are looking forward to a continued partnership with the government in moving the sport forward.

Along with the academy, the board has also started a school cricket programme in conjunction with CWI and Republic Bank.

The aim is to target 75 primary schools and train 150 teachers.