RISING FROM THE ASHES

A community educational project has been initiated on the West Indian island of Barbados with the stated aim, amongst others, of restoring pride in West Indies cricket. The Phoenix Academy has identified inadequate facilities for sport, especially cricket, and a prevalent negative work ethic on the island as the main problems. They are determined to rectify the situation by providing a mixed program of educational courses and sports coaching that, they believe, will inspire children to higher achievement.

Led by nine coaches (with 70 years experience between them) Phoenix Academy has created an environment of cricketing excellence. They have purchased two BOLA Professional Machines and, on land leased from the National Sports Council, they have created a first class wicket and several outdoor nets.

The youngsters are fascinated by the novelty of the BOLA machines and the coaches use them to constantly challenge their abilities. There are also video facilities so that each player’s strengths and weaknesses can be monitored.

The Academy receives strong support from the local community and is often visited by ex-cricketers. It is hoped that Phoenix will prove to be a stepping stone for a larger ‘Wings’ Academy. This will be a purpose built, 20 acre facility with two cricket pitches, ten indoor and ten outdoor nets, a football pitch, running track, tennis, badminton and basketball courts.

The Phoenix coaches wrote of the machines: “The BOLA Professional Bowling machines provide consistency and accuracy with every ball which cannot be emulated by the young aspiring cricketers. This incites the youngsters to focus and strategise, as they strive to prove themselves worthy opponents of the bowling machines. This certainly augurs well for heightened interest in the game and improved performances.”