Nearly 100 children have participated in the first two weeks of the Athene Pee Wee ‘Have-A-Go’ Programme.

Fuelled by the continued support of Athene Life Re, the Bermuda Cricket Board’s free sessions have been well supported as the organisation attempts to reinvigorate the game at youth level.

With the aim that every child in Bermuda has the opportunity to pick up a bat, make new friends and fall in love with the game, the 2026 youth season kicked off on February 22 at Bermuda College, welcoming boys and girls aged 5 to 7.

Not even bad weather could stop the session with Bermuda Cricket Board Youth Development chairman David Horan, using his position as Warwick Academy principal, shifting sessions to the school gymnasium from the field at Bermuda College.

The programme is also bringing cricket into the classroom, with the BCB taking the game directly to students. The Pee Wee Cricket in Schools Programme pairs certified BCB coaches with primary schoolteachers to deliver high-energy lessons focused on teamwork, physical literacy, and confidence.

With eight school activations already confirmed to start immediately following the Pee Wee Festivals, the BCB is on a mission to integrate cricket into the daily lives of Bermuda’s youth.

“Seeing the joy on these children's faces as they hit their first ball is what it’s all about,” said Dave Horan, BCB 1st vice-president and Youth Chair.

“By moving sessions indoors during inclement weather, we sent a clear message: nothing stops the growth of our young athletes. We are committed to providing a consistent, supportive environment for them to flourish.”

Cal Blankendal, BCB Executive Director, is thrilled to see the potentially the next generation of Cup Match stars set out on their cricket journey.

“We are delighted to ensure every child has access to healthy, positive experiences,” Blankendal said.

“Our goal is to reach a minimum of 250 Pee Wee student-athletes. Based on our current numbers, we aren't just on track — we are set to exceed our targets. We are incredibly grateful to Athene and our dedicated parents for helping us strengthen the foundation of Bermudian cricket.”

The free sessions run every Sunday through March 22 and families interested in getting their children involved in the remaining sessions or future activations can register online at cricketbermuda.com/pee-wee-cricket/

Now is also the time to register your son or daughter for one of the BCB Youth Leagues, which range in age from 7 and under and games of ten overs to 18 and under, with their participants playing 40 overs matches.

Teams such as Bailey’s Bay, Cleveland County, Flatts, Somerset, St George’s, St David’s, Warwick Cricket Academy and Western Stars have registered teams in various age groups.

But do not worry if you have no affiliation with a particular team as the BCB will find a team for you if you are yet to sign up with an individual club.

To register a player in a youth league visit cricketbermuda.com/youth-leagues/