Over the past month of playing cricket locally it is quite apparent that the fan base has dwindled to an alarming low level.Is this solely because of the standard of cricket, the atmosphere, or lack thereof?It is no secret that the calibre of cricket has dropped over the past few years, and many are trying to revive and produce a standard we can be proud of, but surely the clubs around Bermuda can do more to attract fans to come out for a family day and watch the game.Fans are the ones who make cricket worth playing for, and it is the fans who can spark the motivation for that quality we are longing for.To play in front of a sizeable crowd helps to inspire players to perform at a higher level individually and as a team. As in any sport there are those fans that can do the complete opposite and make you wish you stayed at home, but that too can be used as a catalyst to raise your level of play and prove them wrong.Theses days if it is not Cup Match or County Cup, fans don’t come out in droves. These two occasions will always be well attended because of the rich history of the game and what it means to the communities.Wouldn’t it be nice if fans at our weekly games dressed out in their colours with all of the noise makers found at Cup Match and County, vocally shouting out in support of their teams!It is this atmosphere that fans create that makes these occasions electrifying and enjoyable to play in. The pressure that is caused by having such big crowds may cause some players to crumble while others will relish the opportunity to entertain and show their class.Years ago, at cricket games you were guaranteed a big crowd.Sorry to be honestly blunt, but I think that was down to the fact that the standard of cricket was at a level where fans knew they would be entertained. When you had bowlers such as Anthony (Pacer) Edwards, Terry Burgess, Adrian King, Anthony Braithwaite, Roger Blades running in with pace, aggressive and hostile, crowds loved it.The batsmen against such bowlers were just as entertaining with the likes of Noel Gibbons, Ricky Hill, Tyrone Smith, Clevie Wade and Albert Steede just to name a few.Now in this day we have the potential to have the same type of players and fans you can help. Come out and support and I can guarantee that the players will begin to have more pride in the scores that they post, in their line and length, and their fielding.We are bringing through many newbies and they will blossom more with support and praise.So what can we do as clubs and players of today to help bring back these types of crowds?Besides producing the best cricketers that we have seen on our shores for many years, clubs can do much more to create a fun, family, atmosphere at the grounds.I recall going to Lords to watch a game and there were various activities going on for the young cricketers, such as, a speed game, where a child would bowl a ball and see how fast he is bowling. In addition they had bowl-offs where they had a wicket and each child had six balls to see who could hit the wicket the most.During the intervals they would have two teams of children playing a mini-cricket game. These simple ideas will help to bring families to the games because moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas will come out to watch, such an easy way to attract fans.This will also help the youngsters to eat, sleep, and drink cricket too, forming the passion we so desperately need in our sport. Music playing during intervals will always be a winner, creating a happy atmosphere in the summer heat when Soca music is alive and kicking.Players remember, there will always be that odd fan that knows it all, but truly probably never played any sports. Players ignore them as majority of the time they have nothing positive to say.Don’t engage in a confrontation with them, keep control and let your bat or ball do your talking for you. Player/fan confrontation is something the game doesn’t need as it turns those that want a pleasant, relaxing, fun day away.So fans please come out and support your team on the weekend. Cricket is and will always be our national sport and we still have some quality players around.The more fans that come out the more you will encourage the players to do well. No player wants to fail, especially in front of a large crowd. Players, I encourage you to step your game up and give the local fans something worthwhile to watch.Quote of the week: Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period.” - Lou Holtz