Excitement is building as the 2024 Splashe National Youth Championship gears up to start next week. From Monday, September 2nd to Friday, September 6th, Vanuatu’s top young cricket talents will showcase their skills in a high-stakes tournament, with the opportunity to join the Vanuatu Cricket Association’s (VCA) Under 19 program.
Sponsored by Splashe - Vanuatu Beverage Ltd, this year’s Championship will feature teams from Port Vila schools including Seaside Presbyterian Community School, Port Vila International School, and Malapoa College, alongside Tafea Cricket Club, Splashe Mele Bulls Cricket Club and the Outreach Stars team, which includes emerging players from Santo and Tanna. The Championship promises to showcase the country’s best young talent.
Following the success of last year’s National School Games, where six students were selected to join the VCA’s Under 19 program, the VCA is once again on the lookout for six new players—three boys and three girls—to join their ranks. These players will benefit from a unique combination of cricket training, club cricket opportunities, and comprehensive schooling scholarships.
The VCA’s Under 19 program offers a two-year development pathway aligned with the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup cycle. This program not only focuses on cricket skill development but also supports the academic growth of its participants. Players identified through the School Championships and National Youth Championship receive not only top-notch cricket training but also scholarships to ensure they can balance their sports and education effectively.
Managed by National U19 Coach Ronald Tari, the program includes Talent Identification (ID) camps held in Santo and outreach visits to various regions, allowing talented athletes from remote areas to join the U19 squad in Port Vila. The final selection of the squad takes place during the National Youth Championships immediately preceding the World Cup, making this week’s competition crucial for aspiring cricketers.
The Championship will feature Men’s games at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds and Women’s games at Independence Park. As the event unfolds, spectators are encouraged to support the young athletes striving for both cricketing excellence and academic success.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Splashe - Vanuatu Beverage Ltd for their unwavering support, which has enabled the Vanuatu Cricket Association to offer such invaluable opportunities. Their commitment helps us combine elite cricket training with essential educational support, preparing our future stars for success on both the national and international stage.
We also wish to express our sincere thanks to the National Sports Authority for their assistance, including the generous provision of bedding for our Outreach Stars. Their support is crucial in ensuring a comfortable and positive experience for all participants.
For more information about the Vanuatu Cricket Association and updates on the Splashe Youth Championship, visit www.cricket.vu or follow them on all their social media platforms.
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