Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), in conjunction with XL Foundation Limited, will be staging a Youth Cricket Development Day at Police Field today for all primary and middle school students between the ages of seven and 15.

The event, geared towards encouraging participation of Bermuda?s youth in local cricket in a safe and structured environment, will provide all participants with the opportunity to be involved in batting, bowling and fielding drills in addition to playing minor games.

BCB president Reggie Pearman explained: ?The Board have a clear policy of providing quality instruction and assistance to the young people of Bermuda. The grassroots programme is an intrinsic part of the National Development Plan for Bermuda cricket. Many people are aware of the success of the BCB summer clinics, both in the quality of instruction and in the levels of participation.?

Today?s event is a precursor to the upcoming inaugural Easter cricket camps that will be held at various locations across the Island, beginning Monday, April 5.

Another key of the Development Day scheme is the opportunity participants will receive to meet cricket representatives from various clubs across the Island. Young players will be encouraged to join a local club, enabling them to further enhance their development.

Meanwhile, national coach Mark Harper ? whose contract at the BCB expires at the end of the upcoming season ? noted: ?The members of the youth committee view this event as a significant part of the Youth Development Programme. The XL Foundation Youth Development Day introduces youths to the game and also seeks to provide more opportunities for them to play the game by signing up to clubs if they are not already affiliated with one.

?The Youth Development Programme is designed not only to provide opportunities for as many children as possible to be involved in the game from the grassroots level to the Under-19 level, but also for them to learn the joys of the game and raise the competitiveness and quality of youth cricket.?

Sonia Whayman, Project Manager of XL Foundation, said: ?The XL Foundation is pleased to be the title sponsor for this community event. We recognise the efforts and direction of the BCB in providing avenues for children to experience the game of cricket.

?The XL Foundation Youth Cricket Development Day provides opportunities for young Bermudians to get quality coaching and direction in cricket and kicks off what promises to be an exciting season of cricket for the country.?