PE teachers, players trained as foundation cricket coaches

More than 40 physical education teachers and active cricketers have been exposed to basic cricket coaching, through a comprehensive Foundation Coaching Course being put on by the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) and Cricket West Indies this week. The highlight of the workshop was a series of hands-on sessions, overseen by CWI Coaching Educators, Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal, supported by local coaching educators, including Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre head coach John Eugene, and staff members Alton Crafton, Keith Charlery, Craig Emmanuel, and Donald Dave Albert. 

The in-person sessions on Tuesday, January 19, and Wednesday, January 20, included more than 30 PE teachers on the first day, and 17 players from the High Performance Centre on the second day. The practical interactive component, running from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on each day, allowed participants to apply skills learned online, as well as to engage in peer collaboration, and receive direct feedback from expert educators. 

The eventual goal is that these coaches go back to their schools and communities to introduce young aspiring cricketers to the fundamentals of the sport. With the inauguration of Under-13 competition last year, and SLNCA president Wayne Auguste’s declared intention to introduce Under-10 cricket, it is clear that the governing federation is targeting greater participation at an earlier age. 

“Developing quality players begins with developing quality coaches,” added Auguste. “This foundation course for PE teachers is a strategic investment in our grassroots and school cricket ecosystem. By equipping educators with the right tools, knowledge, and coaching frameworks, we are strengthening the foundation of our player pathways and ensuring that young cricketers across Saint Lucia receive consistent, high-quality instruction from an early age. This initiative reflects SLNCA’s commitment to sustainable development and long-term high-performance success.” 

This foundation course supports SLNCA’s strategic objectives to develop credentialed coaches, reinforce its performance pathways to regional and international selection, and promote player development at every level. By investing in the training and upskilling of educators, SLNCA aims to ensure a sustainable pipeline of talented coaches and athletes equipped to excel on the local, regional, and global stages.