Kingston, Jamaica – September 2025 — The Kingston Wharves U15 Cricket Competitors has been reformatted this yr to establish one of the best younger cricketers earlier within the improvement cycle, whereas nonetheless sustaining the identical variety of preliminary matches. The brand new construction goals to raised put together gamers for subsequent yr’s regional competitors and enhance outcomes via longer, extra focused crew preparation.
Oneil Cruickshank, cricket operations supervisor on the Jamaica Cricket Affiliation (JCA), defined the rationale behind the modifications:
“It’s tinkered with and we’re making an attempt to get it proper and we’re additionally responding to issues which might be occurring round us. We began out having the competitors with an inter-parish champion. Now, we’re returning to the years once we had an inter-parish first part, then county selectors would decide a crew for the county. These kids then compete for the Kingston Wharves Trophy. With the three counties, we’ve added a improvement crew. Our intent is to establish the boys earlier, not only for the subsequent cycle of regional tournaments however for 2 years down the street.”
Cruickshank additionally highlighted a brand new partnership with the Jamaica Defence Pressure (JDF) as a part of a pilot program within the Surrey Area:
“Each non-match day, the children journey to the JDF for non-cricket classes targeted on creating abilities past cricket. This partnership is improbable for constructing the boys’ character and self-discipline outdoors of their pure expertise as cricketers.”
Captain Marlon Saunders of the JDF detailed their contribution:
“We began a summer time camp in partnership with Kingston Wharves to affect youth via cricket and the disciplines of the JDF. Our program contains mentorship classes with counselors and senior personnel to assist these people chart their character and posture themselves not simply as sportsmen, however as well-rounded people.”
Mark Williams, CEO of Kingston Wharves, emphasised the corporate’s dedication:
“It’s our privilege to sponsor this competitors for the thirty fourth yr. Our aim is to be a part of Jamaica’s improvement. This path via cricket builds character, dedication, and a way of excellence in younger folks — it’s extra than simply cricket.”
Fitz Harris, First Vice President of the JCA, welcomed the continued assist:
“This can be a crucial juncture for cricket. Whereas the game is rising globally, we face challenges regionally. Jamaica, as the biggest cricket-playing island within the Caribbean, should set the tempo. This competitors permits us to plant a agency basis within the rebuilding of our sport.”
The competitors is now in its remaining week, culminating with the ultimate match between Middlesex and Surrey on the Final Cricket Floor in St. Ann on Friday.