ROB BROWN Enlarge Image

More than 30 youth took part in Maples Community Centre’s launch of their youth cricket program on Sat., Feb.18. The program, the first of its kind in Manitoba, runs until May 28.

A north Winnipeg community centre is going to bat for young cricket players.

Representatives of Maples Community Centre recently announced details of a new club-run cricket program for boys and girls between the ages of six and 16.

The program, which was launched Feb. 19, will be offered Saturday mornings until May 28. It will provide instruction as well as organized games and is open to kids from across the city.

Garvin Budhoo, president of the Manitoba Cricket Association, said Maples is the first community centre in Manitoba to offer such a program.

"It’s fantastic," he said, adding he expected the area to become a hub of cricket activity during the next five years.

Kamta Roy Singh, a Maples resident and captain of the Winnipeg Lions Cricket club, echoed Budhoo’s sentiments. He said the level of interest in the sport among youth continues to grow.

"While we don’t have the participation of hockey, there are teams and practices going on indoors throughout the winter with more than 150 players," he said.

Seven Oaks School Division also recently announced plans to grow the sport at area middle schools and high schools.

Maples Collegiate principal Kirk Baldwin said information packages and training will soon be offered to area schools.

"Stuff will be getting out to phys-ed instructors at our partner schools while middle schools will be getting cricket starter kits," he said.

Seven Oaks School Board chair Evelyn Myskiw said it makes sense for the division to devote additional resources to the sport.

"We are the fastest growing school division. We should have the fastest developing and growing sports programs as well," Myskiw said.

"With many new Canadians choosing the Maples for their homes, it makes sense."

Budhoo said the addition of a youth league at Maples Community Centre and the school division providing more resources to grow the sport will help to increase the overall skill level of cricket players in the province.

"With schools increasing their programming (combined) with the community club’s efforts, there is certainly potential for provincial-caliber talent to be found here," he said.

Pooran Singh, a teacher at Maples Collegiate and a local cricket coach, said the new youth league and school division’s efforts will provide a definite boost for the sport.

"Hopefully we will tap into the talent of the students in the division," he said.

Maples Community Centre opened the first dedicated cricket park in north Winnipeg in 2009 at its Elwick School field location on Maberley Street. Construction of new cricket batting cages at the field is expected to begin later this year.

rob.brown@canstarnews.com