The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the launch of the Cricket in Schools Partnership Programme.

With the support of RenaissanceRe for the Super 8 Festivals and Skyport backing Zone Leagues and the Knock Out Cup, the programme will assist the BCB with offering coaching and other resources to schools participating in competitive cricket competitions.

The programme will feature student-athletes from all schools in Bermuda (Primary, Middle, and High School) taking part in various events, with the BCB offering our services to six academic institutions since 2023.

The Super 8 Festivals will take place on May 19 to 21 with interschool matches taking place from May to June.

“We are proud to sponsor the launch of the Cricket in Schools Partnership Programme,” said a spokesman for RenaissanceRe. “By providing students with access to cricket, we aim to promote sport and physical activity, while also fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive community for young people.”

Aaron Adderley, president of Skyport, is pleased to be able to back Bermuda’s sporting youth.

“We are proud to support the development of Bermuda’s youth through sport. Cricket holds deep roots in our culture and, through this partnership, Skyport aims to ensure the next generation not only learns the game but embraces the discipline, confidence, and camaraderie it fosters.

“Supporting cricket in schools is about building a stronger community and giving our young people every opportunity to thrive, on and off the field.”

Cal Blankendal, BCB executive director, feels the initiative is crucial to sustaining success of the sport.

“On behalf of president Lloyd Smith, I wish to thank our support coaches and schools for collaborating to ensure that cricket remains a vibrant and successful part of Bermuda’s culture,” he said

“The more visibility and activity we can add to the BSSF Cricket calendar, the more support we can provide to ensure we develop well-rounded student-athletes.

“The BCB will assist each school with their cricket programmes and coaching development pending the available resources. The intent is to support our schools in offering cricket as a sport of choice, to ensure that we have a robust group of players available to our clubs and the national programmes.

“Our core focus is for cricket to play its role in producing productive citizens with pride for their families and Bermuda. The BCB remains open to additional CISPP partners to provide the much needed equipment and coaching support to our academic partners. Our academic institutions offer young Bermudians the opportunity to enjoy the game of cricket daily.”

The schools that participate in interschool cricket via the Department of Sport & Recreation (DOSR) cricket calendar, can contact the BCB to discuss proposed programming.