SporTT invests in next generation of cricketers
The Sports Company of T&T’s (SporTT) investment in preparing a crop of very talented youth cricketers is intended to set alight the regional and international stage soon.
In partnership with the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), the elite Academy Programme involves specialist training for 18 Under-19 cricketers identified as future stars over nine weekends at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre at Balmain, Couva.
The boys, several from the national U-17 team including Aaron Basant, Jayden Kent, Christian Lall, Samir Saroop, Renaldo Fournillier, Johanson Gajadhar, Joseph Mendoza and Aadian Racha participate in the live-in camp from Friday evening to Sunday in one of the most intensive training programmes targeting that particular age group.
It has been described as laying a solid framework to elevate the youngsters specially selected for their prodigious skills in bowling (fast, swing, spin), fielding and wicket-keeping.
Head the ambitious programme is English Cricket Board and Cricket West Indies (CWI) Level 3 certified coach Debideen Manick, an educator, former borough councillor and WICB (West Indies Cricket Board) coaching tutor who is one of the most highly regarded for his knowledge and expertise.
Manick says the 2024 cohort of Academy inductees is “special” not only for the range of cricket talent they bring but by their eagerness to learn and improve their inherent athletic abilities.
“These young boys were plucked from the respective TTCB age group tournaments having come through the ranks and are naturally being looked at to carry the Red Force flag as some of the members of the national team are on their way out,” said Manick.
The Academy addresses most of the flaws that have been identified in regional cricketers, at the top of the list which is a lack of mental toughness which Manick said is crucial as cricket often tests both physical and psychological endurance.
Over the past weekends, Manick has drilled into his charges clinical strategies to help cricketers build mental resilience and set goals with a focus on both short-term and long-term objectives.
The boys were told that rather than obsessing over the result (runs, wickets), they should focus on the process involving technique, and decision-making. This reduces pressure and helps the cricketer stay grounded.
Manick told the youngsters that “mental imagery” is a powerful tool in visualising success, whether hitting a boundary, taking a wicket, or snaring a crucial catch.
“This builds confidence and prepares the cricketing mind for real situations, and equally important is visualizing challenging scenarios, like facing a fast bowler or dealing with pressure situations in a match,” Manick elaborated.
Positive affirmations also play a great part in overcoming moments of doubt when developing a strong inner voice to counter negative thoughts and self-doubt.
“Use affirmations like, “I’m a strong and focused player,” or “I trust my preparation,” he said.
“When things go wrong, it’s common to think of worst-case scenarios. It’s important to focus on the next ball or next over, not on mistakes or weaknesses,” the Under-19s were told.
Manick said focus and concentration help a cricketer stay in the present. “Cricket is a game of long durations, with extended periods of downtime and bursts of intense action. Learning to stay focused on the task at hand, whether it’s facing a bowler or fielding, helps maintain mental energy,” he said
Other topics covered in the interactive discussions were: Mindfulness Techniques: Practice mindfulness to sharpen attention and reduce distractions. Meditation and breathing exercises are beneficial for keeping the mind clear and focused.
Managing Pressure: Mental toughness is partly about handling stress and pressure. Techniques like deep breathing, relaxation exercises, or even developing a routine (such as adjusting gloves or tapping the bat) can help a player stay composed in tense moments.
Bounce Back from Failure: Cricket is a game of occasional failure—whether it’s getting out cheaply or missing a crucial catch. Developing the ability to quickly “reset” mentally after mistakes is key to regaining composure.
Assisting Manick in the program is trainer Gerald Garcia whose experience and input in the theoretical and practical sessions are valued by the inductees.
The coach was very appreciative of the role SporTT is continuing to play in promoting cricket as a valuable instrument of national youth development.
The 2024 Academy will conclude on December 8 and a graduation exercise will be held at the Brain Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba when individual awards will be handed out.
2024 SporTT/TTCB Inductees:
Abdul Raheem Toppin, Alvin Sonny, Michael Ramdass, Luke Ali, Aneal Rooplal, Aaron Basant, Jayden Kent, Ryan Yearwood, Alexander Chase, Zachary Madray, Christian Lall, Samir Saroop, Renaldo Fournillier, Johanson Gajadhar, Joseph Mendoza, Zakilon Beckles, Aadian Racha, Niall Maingot
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