SVGCA Inc launches Lennox John Cricket Academy

The Kishore Shallow-led executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc, last Saturday, formally launched the Lennox John Cricket Academy.

The much welcomed establishment has a first intake of 21 players – 11 Under-15 players and 10 Under-19s.

Comprising the Under-15 lot are Handel Roban, Solomon Bascombe, Newton Browne, Kody Dabreo, Randy Joseph, Dwayne Henry, Kirtney Franklyn, Irvin Warrican Jr, Jerrol Edwards, Jeanna Fredericks and Ojay Matthews.

The cohort of Under-19 players include Jahiel Walters, Tijourn Pope, Rayon Williams, Tilron Harry, Jeremy Layne, Rayshorn John, Gregory Wyllie, Kimone Homer and Allison Antoine.

For the next nine months, the academy will have as its co-ordinator Cleton Burnett.

Those named to dispense the information are Irvin Warrican – head coach, with Bertram Stapleton, Alston Bobb and Samantha Lynch – assistant coaches.

Speaking at last Saturday’s launch at the Media Centre at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Burnett, in outlining the academy’s pathway, stated: “The aim of the academy is basically to identify young, talented cricketers, and work with them, nurture them, so that they can become mature and great cricketers of tomorrow … To work with young talented cricketers, especially coming out from the schools … To co-ordinate programmes that will enable those cricketers to develop to be mature cricketers”.

Burnett noted that the academy will be “holistic” in its approach to the players’ development, inclusive of their academics.

The academy’s co-ordinator underscored that all players in the academy will receive cricket clothing, including shoes and will get a stipend, which will assist with their transportation and other needs.

The academy, which has a life until November, will have sessions on Saturdays, with the start time being 9:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, patron of the academy Lennox John said that he would like to see, at the conclusion of the first intake in November, special awards given to those players who would have improved in their social graces over the nine-month period.

The cricket academy is the first of its type to be undertaken by any executive of the SVGCA Inc.