The Bermuda Cricket Board has announced a “Talent Identification” launch for its National Academy teams and are looking for players aged 13 to 17.

The BCB has identified the need to mirror the Bermuda Football Association’s National Academy structure by setting up feeder teams at under-13, under-15 and under-17 age groups. The search will start post Covid-19.

Meanwhile, 18 players have been asked to e-mail info@cricket.bm by Thursday to receive instructions on the upcoming under-19 World Cup trials.

Those players are Dannen Gibbons, Dionte’ Dowling, Eijaz Shaki, Gianni Santucci, Jarryd Richardson, Jamar Stovel, Jermal Proctor, Jomori Manders, Kahzi Sealey, Kauai Evens, Kieron Richardson, Keith Whorms, Kenwiana Bean, Keegan Jones, Khari Shariff, Logan Jones, M. Dante Hayward and Marcus Scotland.

An online meeting will be held to introduce the players to Arnold Manders, the Bermuda Under-19 coach.

“It is vital that we commence with training as soon as possible to prepare for the Under-19 World Cup Qualifiers in 2021,” Manders said.

“Due to the majority of eligible players being on island at this time, we will schedule an online meeting to announce our intentions.

“Training is not only physical but mental and this is the perfect time to engage our talented youth in a format they use daily [social media and online video learning].

“It is my goal to build a robust programme for the under-13s to under-19s in partnership with the High Performance Committee led by Mr Peter Philpott.”

Philpott, who is responsible for the development of the under-19 team, as the chair of high performance, believes it is important the BCB adjusts its traditional ways of coaching and tour preparations.

“We recognise that learning takes place far before a tour commences and also at a very early stage in a student athlete’s athletic cycle,” Philpott said.

“Therefore, we will establish programmes geared towards our youth players prior to joining the under-19 team, so that we can have a seamless transition from domestic cricket to elite international ICC competitions.

“The process will be a gradual one, with many phases but we believe that during the next four to five years we will see the benefit of our newly planned elite development programmes.

“We will meet with all clubs, coaches and stakeholders to identify, discuss our plans and share best practices. This is a paradigm shift via the BCB and we look forward to creating new partnerships both domestically and internationally for the best interest of cricket in Bermuda.”

Players aged between 14 and 17 who believe they have the skills to be selected for the Bermuda Under-19 team should e-mail info@cricket.bm for more information.