The future of cricket begins here

Laerskool Swartkop, with the help of Momentum and the Northens Cricket Union, has helped pupils from several schools to learn to play cricket.

The project was first conceptualised by Jurgens Schreuder, deputy principal of Laerskool Swartkop, who wanted to get a new cricket net for the school, but also to help kids from other schools, some of whom are from disadvantaged areas, to not only be able to play cricket, but make friends, and learn new skills. The project tried to involve as many children as possible, so every girl who wants to play, is encouraged to participate.

Some of the other schools involved in the project include Erasmia Primary and Valhalla Primary.

“The goal of this project was not only development, but also opportunity. We wanted to give every single child the opportunity to learn the sport, and also get a chance to play in matches. Therefore, during one of the planned round robin matches we will be hosting, no child can be bowled out or dismissed during the first three balls that are bowled,” said Schreuder.

The project was launched on 25 September, with a practice day in the new nets, where pupils were coached by Nashua Titans players.

Laerskool Swartkop will be acting as custodians of the project, nurturing the other schools, and helping them set up their cricket programmes over a three year period. This includes training for teachers as coaches and umpires.

“This is the first project of its kind,” says Volvo Masubelele, manager of cricket operations at the Northens Cricket Union. “The schools are not simply asking for funding, they are doing so much from their side to develop cricket that we wanted to get involved, not just with funding.” Musubelele also said that the cricket union will continue to provide assistance to all the schools involved in the project.

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