Township School Cricket.
We have successfully provided five schools in Khayelitsha with cricket ecosystems.
South Africa has a rich sporting culture and has produced many great cricketers however there is a lack of Black African cricketers being represented in the South African domestic, first-class and international cricket structures. The aim of these cricket and coaching development initiatives it to ensure that they will produce results, are sustainable and enrich the lives of the community. Cricket Clubs and schools located within township areas are central to the success of aspiring youngsters who wish to become professional cricketers.
OBJECTIVES
Identify and discover talented individuals in disadvantaged communities.
Provide opportunities for teams and individuals from disadvantaged communities to receive quality cricket coaching from locally sourced, developed and accredited coaches.
Implement coaching development programs for aspiring cricket coaches to earn a sustainable income and service the needs of the cricketing community.
Create opportunities for schools to offer cricket as an extramural activity through the provision of coaches and cricket facilities.
Effective utilisation of school sports and community facilities.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Unfortunately the general state of outdoor practice facilities in these areas are currently not able to provide for the needs of aspiring township cricketers or youngsters who are interested in the game of cricket. The City of Cape Town has generously constructed many sports facilities for the community, however the operational systems are not able to support the long term sustainability of these investments.
This has a direct impact on the development of the game in the township areas as there are no adequate facilities where coaching, playing or cricket development can take place. There is a generalized cost of approximately R80,000 per net for newly constructed net facilities. These newly constructed nets would comprise of a prepared concrete base covered with astroturf and netting covering the steel frame structure. The nets will be lockable to reduce unauthorized access and excessive use. This will also aim to prevent vandalism and theft.
COACH DEVELOPMENT
Gary Kirsten initiated the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy (GKCA) which continues to provide private and group coaching to many young cricketers every week. The GKCA is working with the Gary Kirsten Foundation to identify and empower accredited coaches from township areas who will service the needs of junior schools, high schools and cricket clubs in the surrounding township area of Cape Town. These accredited coaches will work closely with Gary and the GKCA coaching team to ensure they are able to meet the needs of the cricket community as well as identify talented individuals who will benefit from further individual coaching and development.
These cricket and coaching development initiatives cannot be implemented independently. Considering the objectives and the great potential that lies within these township areas, these cricket and coaching initiatives will provide opportunities and lead to the development of tomorrows cricketing stars.
PROJECT PROGRESS
We have successfully provided five schools in Khayelitsha, Chris Hani, Siphamandla, Impendulo, Masiphumelele and Sivile, with cricket ecosystems. the Gary Kirsten foundation supplies each school with newly constructed artificial cricket nets, complete kit bags with cricket equipment for an entire team and a full-time cricket coach, under the guidance of the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy. The locally sourced and accredited coach benefits from this job opportunity through further coach development programmes and an ongoing income.
