St. Vincent and the Grenadines has its owncricket academy, the first of its kind on the island.

The National Cricket Academy was launched last Saturday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, two and half miles east of Kingstown.{{more}}

The academy seeks the development of young cricketers, including social skills, and healthy lifestyles.

Alfred Bynoe, a pioneer of the academy, said that the idea evolved from his involvement with Kiddy Cricket, four years ago. Then, there were only eight participants. Today, there are about 50 including females, between 7 and 15 years enrolled in the academy, a full-fledged organisation, operating on Saturday mornings, and during the Easter and August vacations.

With the backing of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA), the Windward Islands Cricket Board and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Bynoe envisages steady growth, both in numbers and development. He intends to enter a team from the Academy in the Second Division of the National Cricket championship in 2006.

Already, the Academy is a reservoir for emerging talents. Eight members of the Academy were selected to a representative team for a reciprocal visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

Sharing Bynoe’s expectation was Chief Cricket Development Officer of the WICB, Dr. Michael Seepersaud who welcomed the Academy and urged the hierarchy “not to focus on winning, but on development.”

Dr. Seepersaud aimed at the coaches, participants and parents in his presentations and reminded listeners of pillars on which the Academy must stand.

The Guyanese-born Seepersaud listed Technical and Tactical, Education, Fitness and Conditioning, and Mental Development.

Also addressing the launch were President of the SVGCA, Julian Jack, President of the Windward Board, Lennox John and Chairman of the NCA Steering Committee Garth Saunders.

Five persons comprise the coaching staff: Bynoe, a Development Officer of the WICB, former Windwards and England fast bowler Neil Williams, former Windwards and West Indies pacer Ian Allen and current Windwards players Orlanzo Jackson and Kenroy Peters.

Apart from Saunders, the Academy’s administrative arm, include Brenda James- Secretary, St. Clair Robinson- Committee Member and Jerry George Public Relations Officer.