As part of Bermuda Cricket Board's (BCB) broad mandate to improve the sport domestically, negotiations are ongoing that could see West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) development officers Wendell Coppin and Phillip Service conduct Level One and Two coaching certificate courses on the island next spring.

There are now tentative plans to have the pair travel to Bermuda in April to conduct coaching courses that BCB director of cricket development Arnold Manders hopes local coaches will take advantage of as the Board moves to fulfil its mandate of providing qualified coaches at all levels throughout the Island. Manders said: "I think it is very important that coaches attend these courses to become qualified or learn more up-to-date information. And I would urge all coaches to attend the courses.

"Level One coaches can do the Level Two course and those who already have Level Two coaching certification can refresh their skills and learn more up-to-date information on coaching. Those who may be interested in coaching at the youth or senior levels can become qualified as well."

The Level One course will be spread over a four-day period while the more advanced Level Two course will be held over a five-day period. Both courses are scheduled to be held between 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m..

Manders believes such initiatives can only be of benefit to local cricket over the long haul.

"The benefit for Bermuda cricket is most obvious, as we will have more qualified coaches and there will be more consistency in how players are being coached from the junior level to the senior level. Every club should have a qualified coach," he stressed. "Coaches will be more knowledgeable in designing training sessions and yearly training plans which should improve programmes throughout the island with the information that will be passed on." Jamaican Service is current president of Trelawny Cricket Association while fellow development officer Coppin is a former West Indies Under-19 fast bowler who is currently coaching in his native Barbados with the National Sports Council.

Last October saw the pair conduct similar courses in Lima, Peru that were attended by Bermudians Mary -Allen Jackson, Terrilynn Paynter, Stacey Babb and Damon Edwards.

"The West Indies Cricket Board Development Unit now conducts all courses with trained course conductors and assessors," Manders added. "And it is policy of the Board (WICB) for two development officers to be available to conduct all courses throughout the region so as to have consistency in its delivery."