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Improvements in store for youth programme

season, but plans are underway to transform the popular annual event.For more than 15 years, youngsters have taken part in cricket training camps conducted by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

season, but plans are underway to transform the popular annual event.

For more than 15 years, youngsters have taken part in cricket training camps conducted by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

BCBC president El James explained that the one-week programmes ran for five weeks at different locations around the Island.

Numbers vary, but each week about 110 aspiring players -- usually boys -- from seven to 15 years-old come out to learn the skills and thrills of the sport.

"We have had a few girls and we welcome girls,'' James pointed out. "We would love to see girls come out.'' And this year there have been even more opportunities for the Island's next generation of Cup Match champions.

"We have the youth tournament now, which runs until the beginning of August,'' said James. "We also had a team of youth players in Canada.

"It's been a busy summer for youth cricket and if we continue these summers we should see some productive cricketers in the future.'' Despite the scheme's ongoing success, James said the BCBC were keen to implement new approaches. "We're looking to keep individuals involved all year long,'' he explained.

"We want to have some training camps throughout the year because we want to see continued development.'' And future training sessions will introduce young people to more than just the love of cricket. "We want to teach cricket skills and also attack social skills,'' said James.

Table etiquette, speech-giving and the value of respecting elders are just a few of the subjects the BCBC hope to develop.

James said the marriage of sport and social skills would hopefully motivate young people to become "total individuals''.

"It's not going to appeal to everyone,'' he admitted. "But we're looking at them as being the future national squad.

"When they go abroad, we want to be represented in the best way possible.''