Lagos Trains Games Masters and Mistresses on Cricket Fundamentals

The Lagos State Sports Commission has launched a three day training programme titled Train the Trainers for Games Masters and Mistresses in public and private schools. This initiative aims to reinforce grassroots sports development and equip physical education teachers with essential cricket skills. The event, held at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, focused on key techniques such as batting, bowling, and catching.

Coach Salako Azeez led the programme, emphasising its importance in maintaining Lagos’s position as a cricket hub in Nigeria and fostering the sport’s growth among young learners. The initiative seeks to ensure teachers are well versed in cricket fundamentals, enabling them to impart this knowledge effectively in schools.

Endurance Ofem, a former Yellow Greens captain and Nigeria Cricket Federation board member highlighted the significance of popularising cricket at the school level to nurture talent early. He noted that training teachers is a crucial step, complemented by the deployment of coaches across the state for ongoing technical support.

Ajeniya Monsurat, representing Federal Housing Nursery and Primary School, Victoria Island, expressed appreciation for the programme, noting it as an invaluable opportunity to deepen her understanding of cricket and enhance her teaching capabilities.

Editorial

The Lagos State Sports Commission’s Train the Trainers programme marks a commendable stride in revitalising school sports, with a specific focus on cricket. By investing in the training of Games Masters and Mistresses, Lagos is setting a robust foundation for the long term growth of cricket among youth, fostering both participation and potential future stars.

This initiative aligns with the broader goals of grassroots sports development, where school level engagement is pivotal. For a sport like cricket, which may not be as mainstream in Nigeria compared to football, such targeted efforts are essential. Providing educators with the tools and knowledge they need ensures that students can learn the sport in an engaging, structured way. Moreover, deploying coaches to offer technical support further enhances the sustainability of this programme.

As Lagos continues to build its reputation as a cricket hub, these efforts may serve as a model for other states seeking to integrate lesser known sports into their school curriculums. This forward thinking approach benefits not only the students who gain new skills but also the wider sports ecosystem as it diversifies and strengthens its grassroots base.

Did You Know?

1. Lagos State has historically been a pioneer in grassroots sports initiatives, fostering a range of sports beyond football.
2. The Nigeria Cricket Federation has been active in promoting cricket through school partnerships and training camps.
3. Cricket has been growing in popularity in West Africa, with Nigeria participating in international competitions like the ICC World Cricket League.
4. Train the Trainers programmes are used worldwide to promote sports education and ensure coaches and teachers can effectively train young athletes.
5. Grassroots development in sports is proven to enhance not just athletic skills but also teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking among students.