Former West Indies cricketers Ryan Austin and Britney Cooper are playing their part in coaching Bermuda’s budding cricketers at the Howzat cricket summer camp.

Austin, who played two Test matches against Bangladesh in 2009, and Cooper, the scorer of the winning runs to defeat Australia in the women’s final of the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, form part of of the coaching team at the camp run by Bermuda Cricket Board.

The duo came to the island through sponsorship from CG Insurance, who are bringing Cricket West Indies players to the island for coaching purposes.

As part the of the pilot project with the Department of Sport and Recreation called Camp Connect, the youth players were afforded the opportunity to have training sessions with Austin and Cooper.

Based in three different locations, girls and boys aged 7 to 13, have for weeks been taken through the development programme. The initiative forms part of the BCB’s work to create and enhance youth cricket skills, promote good sporting behaviour, and foster players' enjoyment for the game.

Players have been taking part in skills, drills, classroom learning, and match play through multiple different cricket formats. They also had several opportunities for competitive game experiences playing other cricket camps on island.

Damon Edwards, a teacher at Paget Primary School, national team captain Delray Rawlins, former Bermuda player Kamau Leverock, team manager Courtney Trott and under-19 players are also providing their knowledge.

BCB vice-president Kellie Smith expressed her appreciation to all those who have contributed in shaping the careers of the island’s rising stars.

“Our goal is to build on the love of cricket in Bermuda, develop skills, and provide playing opportunities in an enjoyable, educational environment, supported by experienced coaches,“ Smith said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers, coaches and sponsors for their help in supporting the next generation of Bermuda cricket.”