Here is my response to an article written by Josh Ball concerning the game between St. George’s and Bailey’s Bay last Sunday.The reporter directly criticised both teams for fielding what he considered weak teams. I publicly want to establish that both St. George’s and Bailey’s Bay chose players with our clubs’ cricketing future in mind.The suggestion that we could be hauled before the disciplinary committee is a flat out joke!Anyone who took the time to watch the game in its entirety would have recognised the contribution that these young men made to the teams. In no way did they embarrass themselves or their teams for that matter. Actually, I am sure I can speak for (Bay captain) Stephen Outerbridge to say that we were both very proud of their contributions and without a doubt won’t hesitate in playing them again in the future.The bogus comments made in the article with respect to the average age limit being closer to 12 rather than 20, was obviously seasoned with sarcasm but I as a coach cannot, and will not, allow him or anybody else to disrespect and discourage my youngsters.Both teams played three or four of our best young players who represent the clubs in our Under-14 league. What is not mentioned is that St. George’s and Bay have two of the best youth teams on the Island, hence the reason we feel very strongly about giving our young players a chance to shine, and shine they did.My suggestion for you is to come and watch the Under-14 league so that you may be able to make a better assessment of those players chosen to play.Jomei Bean Lindo of Bailey’s Bay, 13 years of age, cleaned bowled Christian Burgess and got the wicket of former national player Dean Minors. Zenowi Bowen of St. George’s, 13, had a bowling spell in a critical stage in the game and claimed two major wickets, one of which was former national squad player Ryan Steede.In addition, the remainder of the young players contributed by fielding well and taking one or two good catches. Most noteworthy was the brilliant catch by young Moulon Robinson who dived full length to catch Oronde Bascome. These are the things the reporter should have written about but it seems like we only want to write about the negative and not the positive.Everyone has an opinion and is entitled to one, but St. George’s are committed to developing their youngsters and I, as coach, will introduce them into our games based on the talent, commitment, and dedication that they display. I really am not concerned about what others think and frankly don’t care as I have St. George’s’ best interest at heart for the future.The sponsors would be proud to see the likes of young men making their debut and displaying a high level of cricketing skill at the same time. Maybe it would encourage them to continue to sponsor when they can see that cricket is still alive and growing.Correct me if I am wrong, but I recall major criticisms by the press regarding how our senior players around the Island are not dedicated or committed to training, and don’t take the game seriously. How contradictory to also question the playing of these young players who are dedicated, committed to training, and takes the game seriously. Scorned upon because we gave them a chance? What is it that you really want?These players are our future! So tell me, should coach Moore not be able to pick 16 year olds like Joshua Gilbert, Kamau Leverock and Christian Burgess for his national team because they are too young? How ludicrous is that? Does one think they just became good overnight or did they get experience at the club level at a younger age, hummm?These talented young players in three years’ time will be leading the way in our respective teams. When I read that article, I couldn’t help but think about Dean and I growing up. Both of us came through St. George’s ranks at the age of 13 and look at what that did for us. We are examples of what can happen to young players if given the chance to play at an early age. It boosts confidence in your natural ability. It instills that hunger to want to play the game even more, thirsting for success.Maybe that is why Dean and I both played Cup Match at the age of 17 and 16 respectively because our club gave us the opportunity at a young age, based on our ability and commitment. Maybe that’s why Dean and I were able to excel on the international stage while others struggled because we were exposed to a higher level of cricket at an early age, resulting in raised performances. Personally, as coach of St. George’s Cricket Club, I won’t hesitate to select one or two of them as reserve for Cup Match if I believe that they are mentally ready for that test.Mention was made that the 20/20 is our only sponsored tournament and the only game in which Bermuda can compete in at the highest level. Let’s keep it real. The only reason we have 20/20 and a women’s league in Bermuda, for that matter, is because it is mandatory by the ICC. It is not my fault that the national team flopped and we are restricted to trying to compete in the 20/20. That is why coach Moore has set up the new structure just for national team players to compete in to make sure they are playing at a high standard.As for St. George’s Cricket Club’s future, not a reporter, BCB member, nor fan can tell me whom I should be playing in my team. St. George’s pay me to do what is in the best interest for them. The only persons I listen to when it comes to the future of St. George’s Cricket Club are: my president, Neil Paynter, and his executive. If they have an issue with my team selection then, and only then, will I adjust my strategies but until then I will continue playing my young players, with the future in mind.I can guarantee Bermuda that in three to five years’ time St. George’s will be a dominant force once again because of this grooming process. You have heard me say it before and I will say it again. The future of a club is dependent on the youth programmes that are in place. Grooming young players to filter into your team is the only way to sustain success.Cricket is a game whereby you only get out what you put in and I can assure you that the young cricketers of Bermuda and especially those at St. George’s are putting their work in. If we have any chance of regaining our status at the top flight it will be with our Under-14 players. They are our future and it is my job, along with other coaches throughout Bermuda, to see that they are given a chance to excel and express themselves without the fear of failing.I conclude with this fact. Look at the international arena. Who is considered the best batsman in the world? Yes, Sachin Tendulkar! How old was he when he made his Test debut? For those of you who don’t know, he was but a mere lad of 16. The rest is for the history books to record.