Grassroots Cricket Revival Underway With Debut Of The National U13 Championship

The future of cricket in Saint Lucia is poised for significant advancement with the inaugural Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA)/Laborie Credit Union Under-13 Grassroots Tournament. This groundbreaking initiative will see young athletes, both male and female, engaging in softball cricket every weekend at various locations nationwide.Sixteen districts across the island are participating, and established teams are providing support to these emerging players. Nerville Florence, SLNCA’s second vice president and youth cricket lead, emphasized that grassroots development is the foremost priority for the governing body of Saint Lucian cricket. He remarked during the October 14 launch, “Our commitment to grassroots cricket has always been paramount.”Echoing this sentiment, SLNCA President Wayne Auguste, the architect of the tournament, highlighted the vital role grassroots initiatives have played in his life and that of his son, Ackeem, recently selected for the West Indies senior team. The Laborie Cooperative Credit Union, represented by president Augustin Dominique, pledged ongoing support, noting how essential this program is for uniting communities. The tournament starts on October 18, encouraging public support for the island's budding sports talent.