FORMER Bermuda cricket captain and St. George's Cup Match star Wendell Smith was appointed to the position of Academy Director by the Bermuda Cricket Board yesterday.

Smith is currently employed as Principal at Paget Primary and is expected to join the BCB in early April.

Smith said: "We are all cognisant of the fact that Bermuda cricket received a much-needed boost when the national team successfully attained a coveted place among the world's elite, with qualification into the 2007 Cricket World Cup. As a consequence, our island has not only been afforded one-day status, but subsequently, and probably more importantly, been granted opportunities as an Associate under the ICC High Performance Programme scheme.

"What this means is that player development, administrative structures, and programmes can be enhanced. It is with much anticipation and enthusiasm that I assume the role of National Academy Director. Improving cricket at the grass roots level at the clubs and schools will be vital. Our vision is to positively impact participation levels, effect player development and implement quality high performance programmes. This will be done by incorporating talent identification and skill assessment schemes and development programmes. It will entail instituting quality structured programmes and this will require willing personnel ? coaches, managers, scorers, umpires ? to embrace this achievable and desirable goal.

"Without question, the ensuing years will be the most critical in the cricketing history of our country. It is vital that, with the appropriate resources in place, that we structure and sustain vibrant programmes that ensure the future well being of this great game. In short, that we maximise this opportunity.

"We must ensure that the 2007 World Cup qualification is not a one-shot deal, but rather grant our youngsters further opportunities, through well developed initiatives."

President of the BCB, Reggie Pearman said: "We are very pleased to be able to secure a candidate of Wendell's experience and calibre. The Academy Director role is a pivotal appointment in the developmental areas that form the youth programmes that the BCB want to build. In the Board's presentation to Cabinet last year it was stressed the importance of the grass roots and infrastructure improvements throughout the country. By supporting the BCB with the commitment that was made, the Premier and the Government have laid a long-term foundation for the future of the country's cricket programme. As previously mentioned, the BCB has developed a four-year strategic plan to cement our deserved standing as an elite Associate country. The major objectives of this plan are to be competitive at the World Cup and win the ICC Trophy in 2009 and therefore re-qualify for the World Cup in 2011."