SVGCA building innings with youth focus

The executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association (SVGCA) has a foundation to build its innings, following a retreat held last Saturday at the Administrative Centre at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.{{more}}

Engaging several stakeholders of the sport here, last Saturday’s bloc of cricket brains and enthusiasts, president of the national cricket body Kishore Shallow described the occasion as a successful undertaking.

“Saturday was a positive day for cricket in SVG, especially youth cricket… With over three hours of constructive discussion, I consider the retreat to be a great success… Based on my notes, we had over thirty different ideas brought forward to propel youth cricket; the participation was exceptional,” Shallow told SEARCHLIGHT.

In further reviewing the contents and outcomes of the retreat, Shallow noted: “These ideas are indeed in alignment with the vision of this new executive…So, it is now back to the drawing board for us, analyze and decide what is feasible in the short-term, and what could be completed over the long-term. At the end of the day, the intention would be to incorporate them into our strategic plan, which is currently in drafting stage.”

The records show that St Vincent and the Grenadines has occupied the last position at the Under-15 level for almost for a decade in the Windwards tournament, while the Under-19 outfit has not champed the title in the four island grouping for the past five years.

Saturday’s retreat was one of the immediate pronouncements made by Shallow on his elevation to the top post on May 24 this year. He served as assistant secretary of the SVGCA, under the Julian Jack administration from January 2013, before stepping down on May 24 2014, at special general meeting called to vote for or against a no confidence motion brought against Jack.

The motion went in favour of the proponents 65-25, which saw Jack being ousted and Shallow elected unopposed.

An advocate of inclusion, Shallow reiterated: “We will continue to engage our stakeholders in such capacity as we did on Saturday; their involvement is key to the development of our sport.”

The Shallow led executive has a six-month life, as elections are set for early 2015, when the Annual General Meeting is due.(RT)