BCB/Dr Blackman project distributes $1M worth of practice nets to youth teams

– Board targets bowling machines and concrete pitches in 2023

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), as part of its comprehensive countywide youth development programme, handed over practice nets to 20 clubs with junior teams.
The presentation was done under the BCB/Dr Terrence Blackman project during a simple ceremony at the Board’s New Amsterdam office on Thursday last.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the main objectives of distributing the nets were to improve the ways that youths train in the afternoon, to allow coaches to do one-on-one sessions with promising youths, and to allow a minimum of two youths to practice at one time. He noted that practice sessions at some clubs were difficult to organise owing to low turnout of members, and the nets being available would correct the situation.
A total of 20 nets valued just under $1 million were distributed to clubs including No 73, Skeldon, Radha Krishna Foundation, Port Mourant, Albion, RHTY&SC, Rose Hall Canje, Tucber Park, Edinburgh, Mount Sinai, Achievers, Cotton Tree, and Guymine.
Foster noted that Dr Blackman, a US-based Maths Professor, readily agreed to spearhead the project. Dr Blackman handled the financial aspects, and the nets were handed over to the Board for distribution.
The BCB President expressed gratitude to the donor and hailed it as another red day in the history of the Board. The full list of donors are Dr Rajesh Bisnauth, Dr Frank Denbow, Lennox Emmanuel, Danesh Chowrimootoo, Leary Fredericks, Rosalyn Baichoo, Warren Merell, 592 Properties and Construction, Guyana Business Journal and Magazine, and Dr Blackman.
Since 2018, the BCB, under Foster’s leadership, has assisted clubs across the county with a wide range of items, to help fulfil their mandates of producing players of the highest standard.
Among the items were cricket balls on an annual basis; scorebooks; grass cutters; catching cribs and other cricket gear, including uniforms; COVID protection items; bicycles; water pitchers and educational materials among others. The BCB President urged the representatives of the clubs to use the nets for the intended purpose and to take proper care of them. Foster stated that the BCB was investing heavily into the development of new talent and urged the clubs to redouble their efforts to attract new members.
After a fruitful discussion with coaches and management of the different clubs, it was decided that the next focus of the BCB would be the construction of an all-weather pitch in each sub-association and the acquisition of several bowling machines.
The all-weather pitches would assist players to continue training during the rainy season and also for coaches to do one-on-one sessions with promising players. The coaches recommended the bowling machines in an effort to improve the ability of Berbicians to play fast bowling. Foster committed the BCB to fulfilling the requests as soon as possible.