Jacobs grateful for the exposure

After spending seven-and-a-half months playing and coaching in New Zealand, Kentish Jacobs is ready to impart his knowledge to youngsters.

The 23-year-old Jacobs was a guest of the Onslow Cricket Club of Wellington, where he represented them at three levels, and at the same time was involved in the coaching of young cricketers.{{more}}

Jacobs told SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday that he was now a better coach after the outing.

“It was a great experience for me; it has developed my coaching skills,” Jacobs revealed.

“It has also helped in my personal development as I am better trained to deal with the kids and know how to coach without bias,” Jacobs, who had been attached to the Department of Physical Education and Sports for three years said.

He said while he was in New Zealand, he was able to work along with other coaches.

“I did several practical courses like the Milo Cricket Coaching and others,” Jacobs added.

“The club looked for coaching jobs for me, which helped me financially, too,” Jacobs, who plays for Eat Rite Saints in The local Cricket competition here, stated.

Additionally, Jacobs said that he got some training in Cricket pitches’ preparation, field maintenance and net development.

With this rounded knowledge, the Richland Park resident, who has a West Indies Level One Coach’s Certificate, wants to impart his skills to the members of the Neil Williams Academy as well as start a Cricket coaching programme in his village.

He said in the programme, he will be targeting youngsters between the ages of 5 and 19.

Jacobs explained that his visit to New Zealand germinated about eleven years ago, when as a 12-year-old, he caught the eyes of Gideon Jack, who is Vincentian but a resident of New Zealand.

Jacobs said that it was Jack who made the arrangements that facilitated his stint in New Zealand and he, Jack, was also responsible for accommodation and meals while there.

The National Lotteries Authority, among other business houses and individuals, facilitated Jacobs’ travel.