The Ottawa School Coaching Project

Preamble

Building on our 40 years experience and working with our established networks, the Kingsmead Mynahs Club is embarking on a mission to identify and develop young cricketing talent, focusing on under resourced regions of KwaZulu-Natal.

Working closely with the S A Rugby Legends and emulating their successful model, the Kingsmead Mynahs Club plans to further develop cricket. We have been in negotiations with KZN Cricket Union CEO, Mr Jesse Chellan, and have identified areas in the region, that cricketing body is not reaching. East Griqualand and the Midlands areas around Ixopo are areas identified for cricket development. Discussions have been held with former experienced officials/coaches residing in these regions.

An agreement has been reached with former test cricket legend, former convener of selectors and South African coach and international cricket council test referee, Michael Procter, on developing the cricketing talent of disadvantaged children in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Ottawa School Coaching Project Motivation

With the goodwill of passionate individuals, the Ottawa School Coaching Project was initiated during 2011 at an under resourced school situated in Verulam, north of Durban.

The Project has grown under the direct leadership of Michael Procter.

45 Black boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 attend the weekly, 3 hour coaching sessions which are undertaken at the school throughout the year, during the school terms.

The school, which draws children from predominantly disadvantaged communities in the area, has no sporting resources or equipment. To date, funding for the coaching, match participation, equipment, kits and match attendance has been borne by benevolent individuals.

The cost and demand on benefactors has grown as interest in cricket and enthusiastic participation in the sporting activity at the school has grown.

The children are coached in basic batting, bowling and fielding techniques as well as the basic principles of the game including position holding and team play.

Teaching staff from the school are also guided in coaching skills.

Project Objectives

• To give children from disadvantaged backgrounds an opportunity to participate in a sporting activity.
• To develop young cricketing talent.
• To sustain the Ottawa School Coaching Project.
• To develop the Ottawa School Coaching Project into a successful model to be replicated in other needy areas of the Province.

Outcomes For Beneficiaries

• Expert coaching to assist the children to reach their full potential.
• Being involved in physical activity has personal, social and health benefits for the children.
• Teamwork and co-operation is promoted through cricket.

Project Needs

• Suitable practice facilities and nets for net sessions.
• Kit and equipment for the children.
• Funding to sustain and expand the Project.
• Additional trained coaches.

Beneficiaries

45 Black boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14

Conclusion

All children, regardless of their ability or experience are encouraged to become involved in cricket.

The children attending the Ottawa School Coaching Project have participated in a number of inter-school cricket matches - successfully winning a few matches.

We are working at grassroots level to develop young cricketing talent in the Province and contributing to the future of the children by teaching values, sharing experiences and transferring important skills.