Ten cricketers - past and present - are now better prepared to fulfil their missions as coaches.

All successfully completed Level One of the West Indies Coaching Course last October and yesterday received the relevant certificates during a presentation ceremony at the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC).

Dennis Archer, Stephen Outerbridge, Grant Smith, Kion Butterfield, Shane Hollis, Andre Manders, Winston Reid, George Cannonier and Jackie Durham were on hand to be recognised for their achievement. The lone absentee was St.George's medium pacer Herbie Bascome.

"This is another step in the continued progression of Bermuda cricket at all levels. It is imperative that all aspects of cricket in Bermuda are improved on a regular basis," said BCBC president Reggie Pearman at the ceremony.

"The commitment which the Board (BCBC) has made to ensure that local coaches receive the training and opportunities to better their qualifications is highlighted by these ten men completing the course."

National coach Mark Harper expressed satisfaction with the course's content and outcome, noting the participants' coaching skills have been enhanced and will be to the Island's benefit.

"Coaching education is imperative for successful growth and progression of cricket here in Bermuda. These individuals who have successfully completed this course are now armed with fresh new technical knowledge and methods of coaching the game.

"I hope they will make full use of their training by providing effective but enjoyable training programs and activities that will ensure development in their respective clubs. This will make a significant impact on the quality of the club players and ultimately produce better national players for Bermuda."

In a written message, the WICB's Chief Development Officer Michael Seepersaud - who along with legendary West Indies wicket-keeper Jefferey Dujon and Harper taught the course - said the WICB was simply complementing the BCBC's efforts to train coaches.

"The students were enthusiastic and eager to learn, which made the facilitation enjoyable and rewarding. We particularly thank Charlotte Simons and coach Harper for their assistance and commitment to cricket development in Bermuda.

"We look forward to further co-operation in developing the quality of coaching and coaching education in Bermuda and urge the BCBC to continue to approach the accreditation process with industry," read Seepersaud's statement.

The WICB recently revamped its coaching certification programme, adding new modules and methodologies to improve the quality of coaching education. The certification is now a three-level programme.

The successful participants will now undergo six months of practical experience at various clubs and with national-level squads as part of the coach's record kit which will go towards their final accreditation.