DR. GEORGE Phillip, executive director at Appliance Traders Limited, has called on local clubs to fully prepare their young cricketers.
The guest speaker at the Melbourne Cricket Club's annual presentation on Saturday evening, Dr. Phillip said more must be done to develop rounded individuals.
"I feel that we have failed our players in this country and in the region by not preparing them properly to deal with the high level of competition which they will face in the international arena," said Phillip.
"Regrettably, we have to depend on overseas coaches, institutions, and the generosity of citizens of foriegn countries to help us to develop our sporting talents. It is time we take the destiny of our gifted young men, and young women into our own hands."
In a wide ranging speech, Phillip also chided clubs for not doing the things necessary to attract the support of businesses.
"Many clubs have the greatest difficulty in differentiating between sponsorship and donations. When a company makes a donation it does not expect any benefits from it. We give because we feel that we are filling a genuine need. When we sponsor an event, however, we expect to reap some benefit for our business. Unfortunately, too many, including at the higher level, do not understand that.
"Regrettably, athletes are not educated in that respect and as a result they do not understand the role they need to play in helping to give the sponsors value for money."
As was the case at the Jamaica Cricket Association's award ceremony, Marlon Samuels walked away with the major awards - including the cricketer of the year award.
The most improved cricketer award went to Carlton Baugh Jnr., the best fieldsman award to Llewelyn Meggs, and the prestigious Founder's Award to the member contributing the most, on and off the field, to the club's success during the year, went to team manager Ruddy Williams.
The President's Award for outstanding service to the club during the year went to Mrs. Dorothy Steer, Miss Carol Bryan, Miss Desrene Ebanks, Mr. K.D. DePass, Mr. Melvin Marsh, and Alphanso Reid.
Melbourne won the Surrey Senior Cup Group B title, the Rothmans National Club Championship and the County Championship.
