Local club encourages cricket at a young age
ILLOVO – There is a lot of excitement in embarking on a new adventure as a cricket player at an early age.
In South Africa, participation in sports has become a way of life, and for many individuals, playing sports in big stadiums is a childhood fantasy.
The Champions Drive organisation conducted their inaugural cricket launch event at The Wanderers Club on March 8.
With 32 schools on the programme coming from different districts (9,10,11 and 14), the organisation strives to teach and educate learners about cricket as well as coach them to become professionals. Teachers will also receive fundamental skills training as part of a level one cricket coaching course.
David Mashiyi, founder of NPO Champions Drive and facilitator of the programme said, “The Wanderers Cricket Club will assist in the training and mentoring of children, while the University of Johannesburg will coach the teams using their students, and they will open their facilities for matches to be played on their fields.”
Graham McMillan, a former team player of The Wanderers Premier League cricket team, held a session with children from across Joburg North, explaining what the club is all about and what they will gain from it. “We want to make sure that all the kids get a chance to polish their talents, because cricket can be a career.”
Tebatso Mangena, an educator from Lyndhurst Primary School said, “I am honoured to be part of such a great initiative. We appreciate a community that comes together to support and uplift our youth in all areas of their lives, especially in sport. Our expectations are that the programme to teach our kids not only the techniques of cricket but builds the confidence in pursuing sports-related careers.”
Details: The Champions Drive davidmashiyi@yahoo.com
