A new youth cricket club has launched in Cayman with a goal that extends beyond developing skills on the pitch.
Rising Wickets is open to boys and girls aged 9 to 19, regardless of background or experience level. Through cricket, the club aims to help young people build character, confidence and life skills in an inclusive environment where every player has the opportunity to develop and thrive.
The club is designed to support young people at different stages of the game, from those picking up a bat for the first time to experienced players working towards representative cricket.
The Rising Wickets season will officially begin on Monday, 14 September, with training taking place after school on Mondays and Tuesdays until 5:15pm. Ahead of the start of the season, the club will host an information night on Thursday, 10 September at 6pm, where families can learn more about Rising Wickets and what to expect. Further details on the information night will be announced shortly.
Behind Rising Wickets is a leadership team comprising local businessman Alex Lawson; former first-class cricketer and Cricket Australia high-performance coach Peter Anderson; former West Indies cricketer and renowned commentator Michael Holding; and Cayman Cricket Board Director and Youth Committee Chair Andrew Ledger. Together, the four form the club's management committee, bringing experience across business, international and local cricket, coaching and youth development.
Lawson said the club has been built around a shared belief in what sport can offer young people beyond competition.
“Rising Wickets grew from a desire to give young people access to excellent cricket coaching while also helping them grow as individuals. We want to build a club where youth from across Cayman feel welcome, enjoy being part of something positive and have the opportunity to see just how far their ability and commitment can take them,” he said.
The organisation has assembled a diverse coaching team whose backgrounds span international, national, grassroots and youth cricket. Anderson's international coaching career has included men's and women's World Cups, Under-19 World Cups and national disability teams. The team also includes former West Indies players Holding, David Bernard Jr. and Andre McCarthy, alongside accomplished coaches and cricketers who have worked extensively with young players in the Cayman Islands.
“Cricket has given me opportunities and taught me lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life. Rising Wickets gives us the chance to share some of those lessons with young people here in Cayman. If we can help them discover what they're capable of and prepare them for whatever path they choose, while also helping them become better cricketers, then we'll be achieving what we set out to do,” Anderson said.
The club's holistic approach extends beyond technical cricket training. Coaches will serve as mentors and receive additional training in mental health awareness, effective communication and team-building facilitation. Players will also take part in sessions focused on discipline, communication, motivation, resilience and teamwork, while families will be encouraged to play an active role in their children’s development.
Rising Wickets is now accepting memberships for boys and girls aged 9 to 19. Membership fees apply and scholarships are available, with further details available at RisingWickets.ky. For more information, including registration and upcoming activities, visit the website, email info@risingwickets.ky or follow @RisingWickets on Facebook and Instagram.
Rising Wickets is proudly supported by Alvarez & Marsal Cayman Islands, Walkers, Osprey Jets and Reid Collins Tsai.