Kilcoole Primary School have never played cricket, in fact, most the 100 plus children taking part didn’t even have a clear knowledge of what the game is and yet after just six weeks of coaching they are almost ready to take part in this year’s North Wicklow cup competition. A few more sessions after Easter to refine their knowledge of the game is all that is needed. It’s amazing what can happen when you get to coach within the school timetable, children who otherwise would never be exposed to this beautiful game get a chance to learn with their peers in a safe, familiar environment.
As the Cricket Leinster primary schools development programme in County Wicklow comes to the end of its second month, a teacher from Kilcoole Primary School shares her thoughts on the initiative.
“This term two classes each of 5th and 6th class have had the opportunity to learn how to play cricket. Jim Stewart, a coach from Cricket Leinster came out to us for six weeks and taught us all the basics. We began the first week with learning simple batting skills, how to throw the ball and the vocabulary required for the game. We gradually built up from drill practices to playing mini games and figuring out the best area of the field to hit the ball for maximum runs. By our final week, we played a cricket match for the 45 minute session, putting into practice all the skills we had learnt! It was a ‘ wicket’ opportunity and we are grateful to Jim and Cricket Leinster for all his help and support. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed learning to play cricket.” Claire Bowden – Teacher, Kilcoole National School.
“Kilcoole P.S. have been great”, says Cricket Leinster coach Jim Stewart, “they have fully embraced the programme with teacher participation at each session and have encouraged several teachers to attend an Introduction to Cricket Course for Teachers being run by Cricket Leinster on April 11th next”. As one of the children so aptly put it, this definitely is a “Wicket Opportunity”.