Transition Year Students at the thriving Bishopstown Community School got to experience cricket for the first time in a series of sessions designed to introduce them to the sport.
Broken down into 3 groups of 20 students, they were introduced to the fundamentals of batting, bowling, and fielding. Many were surprised to learn that cricket has been played in Ireland since the 1700s, and that it actually forms a part of the modern curriculum. In fact, there were 2 posters in the hall that identify cricket as a “striking” type of sport- neither the teachers nor the students had noticed it before!
National Programme Co-ordinator Glenn Brokenshire explained the purpose of the TY sessions: “By bringing cricket to secondary schools across Munster, we hope to ignite a spark that will see schools cricket rise in the province. And although most of the students knew little to nothing about the sport prior to today, many took to it like ducks to water. I was particularly impressed by the ability and focussed energy of the female students- there are some very natural potential players at the school. We’d love to see the growth of female participation in the game, and coaching in the school environment is a perfect way to encourage that.”
The TY programme is a 6 week modular series of sessions that teach the students the technical skills of cricket, the rules (laws) and an introduction to scoring and umpiring. There is also an online element to the course, leading to the award of a recognised certificate for the students.
“The TY programme is brilliant,” added Glenn “It gives the students the chance to learn skills, leadership and develop as new coaches (“Activators”) to empower them to play the game at an interschool level. We hope to establish an interschool league where schools can play one another in a series of matches. Some may even find their way into one of our 13 clubs in Munster and continue to develop and play cricket competitively. “
Caitríona Collins, BCS PE Teacher said “Thanks to Glenn for providing our students with the opportunity to try a sport like Cricket in a really enjoyable way. Student feedback was really positive from all who took part. We look forward to having Glenn back in with us again in the future!”
If your school would like to become involved in the MCU TY programme, please just fill out the jotform: https://form.jotform.com/242664173112349
The MCU offers Primary and Secondary school programmes in addition to the TY module. If you would like more information, you can also email:
Rory O’Reilly (School and Club Engagement Officer for Cork, Kerry and Waterford) SCEO1@munstercricket.ie
Hugh Harvey-Kelly (School and Club Engagement Officer for Clare, Limerick and Tipperary) SCEO2@munstercricket.ie
Glenn Brokenshire (National Programme Co-ordinator) programmes@munstercricket.ie
More information about our schools programmes can be found here.
