HENDRIKS

KINGSTON (CMC):

Jamaica's new and improved Sabina Park will have an indoor practice facility and Cricket Academy when completed within a few weeks time.

Speaking at Jamaica's World Cup legacy launch on Friday night at Sabina Park North Stand VIP Lounge, Jackie Hendriks, president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), said they have found a way to 'cash in' after the world's showpiece event.

"The JCA will ensure that Jamaica becomes the premier cricket territory in the West Indies, not only by producing the best cricketers, but also through our excellent facilities, administration and global linkages that will continue the sustainable growth of our cricket at home," Hendriks declared.

The new Sabina Park, with its improved facilities, will be the home of a state-of-the-art Cricket Centre of Excellence.

The JCA said they are ready to begin honing the skills of cricketers with promise. The Cricket Centre of Excellence will provide the pathway from the stage of "young athlete to international player".

First batch

The first batch of students, aged 13 and upward, will be enrolled in the calendar year 2008.

"We will cater for ages 13-19 in an environment which will allow these youngsters to be grounded in the basic fundamentals of the game and to be exposed to the academic side as well," said Hendriks, a former West Indies wicketkeeper and selector.

"They must learn and appreciate the history of West Indies cricket, learn the social graces in addition to what I consider the very important scholastic area," added the JCA president.

"In order for this to come together, we are establishing an indoor centre in the George Headley Stand, a gymnasium, lecture rooms and a cricket library, while the new outdoor practice facility will be extensively used.

"It is with all this that we intend to build character and instil self-esteem and self-confidence in these youngsters, so as they may climb the ladder. They will be well equipped to play a significant role in their country's cricket.

"Leadership training will also form a large part of this initiative, as we must endeavour to ensure that we just don't have a nation of followers," added Hendriks, who played 20 Test matches for the West Indies, taking 42 catches.