The first day covered a welcome from the new sponsor Kentucky “KFC” (Kids for Cricket) and feedback from provinces. One remains amazed at how big Mini Cricket in South Africa is and the dedication of all the people involved in the process. After all, of our greatest players started their cricketing careers by playing Mini Cricket. Some of them include current and retired players such as Graham Smith, Mark Boucher, Makyaya Ntini, the Morkel brothers, JP Duminy, Hasiem Amala, Shuan Pollock, Lance Klusner and many many more.
The days to follow were filled with inspirational presentations, that made one anxious to return to our own structures to implement what we have leant. For me the most important item to come out from this seminar is the Long Term Athlete Development process. This process will be implemented by Primrose Mini Cricket immediately (Please read my post on the subject).
At times too, certain presentations had us in tears, just to think that after all we have so much going for us as individuals, as societies, as clubs and the efforts of certain individuals to make it pleasurable for everyone to participate in. If only the same can be said of those who continue to take our structures for granted by coming and going as they please. There is no better input from a parent / guardian than the ones who support their children in what they do and respect the structures from which these organized activities operate. One of the most basic forms of respect is to be on time. Late-comers and irregular participation slows and break down development.
As a work group we also discussed shortcommings that we experienced in our own regions. A fact that came out during these discussions was the problems faced in the township areas. It appears there are enough children to want to participate but a lack of willing adults to get involved. Also an unwillingness amongst certain educators to want to work the extra hours by getting involved in Mini Cricket. On a more positive note I had the opportunity to discuss with my group how big mini cricket is amongst clubs in the Western Cape. I will make a special point of raising these issures at our upcomming Provincial Seminar.
The last day was dominated by group activities and on the final evening we were treated to a lavish dinner after which all 200 plus delegates renewed our pledge to the Mini Cricket cause and children development.
I know as coaches, managers, sports administrators and dedicated parents we can make this process more successful.
Thanks WPCA for the opportunity.
