Five for Fun Cricket Programme | Republic Bank and CWI Boost Youth Cricket in Grenada

Five for Fun Cricket Programme Returns: Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies Renew Commitment to Youth Cricket in Grenada

The vibrant sounds of bat on ball, cheers from young students, and coaches’ guidance are once again echoing through primary school grounds in Grenada. As the Five for Fun cricket programme returns for its second year, Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have reaffirmed their dedication to shaping the future of Caribbean cricket through this grassroots initiative. For many children aged 8 to 12 across 30 primary schools in Grenada and Carriacou, this programme represents more than sport it’s about joy, learning, and growth.

First launched in 2024, the initiative continues to gain momentum with the backing of the Grenada Cricket Association (GCA), the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, and Republic Bank under its Power to Make A Difference programme. This collaboration reflects a unified approach to youth development, where sport is used as a powerful tool to inspire values such as teamwork, discipline, communication, and leadership.

Republic Bank Youth Cricket Grenada: A Vision Beyond Banking

At the heart of this movement is Republic Bank, whose investment in youth cricket in Grenada is built on a strong community development ethos. During the official launch of the 2025 edition of the Five for Fun cricket programme, Dorian McPhail, Manager of Retail Services at the Melville Street Branch, spoke passionately about the bank’s philosophy.

“We believe not just in banking but in creating opportunities for our youth to grow and thrive,” said McPhail. “This investment is made possible through our flagship Power to Make A Difference programme, which has impacted lives across the region for over 20 years.”

McPhail emphasized that cricket is not just a sport it’s a pathway to confidence, friendship, and personal growth. Through this programme, Republic Bank aims to open doors for young Grenadians to embrace their talents and explore new opportunities both on and off the field.

Cricket West Indies Grassroots Development: Nurturing the Next Generation

Cricket West Indies grassroots development is central to the organisation’s long-term strategic vision. The “Five for Fun” initiative is embedded within CWI’s broader Rising Stars framework, aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent across the Caribbean. For CWI CEO Chris Dehring, programmes like these are not optional they are essential.

“This initiative is more than just a cricket programme it’s an opportunity to instill a love for the game at the foundation level,” Dehring said. “With partners like Republic Bank, we can ensure more young players get the opportunity to experience the joy and lifelong benefits of cricket.”

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, also stressed the importance of quality coaching and child-centric sessions. Ahead of this year’s launch, CWI organized pre-programme workshops for local coaches, focused on delivering sessions that are engaging, safe, and developmentally appropriate. Topics like child protection, inclusive teaching practices, and game-based learning were also part of the curriculum ensuring the programme aligns with international standards of youth sports education.

Fun Over Competition: Why the Five for Fun Cricket Programme Matters

Unlike competitive youth leagues that often emphasize performance over participation, the Five for Fun cricket programme is built around inclusion and enjoyment. Its design encourages every child to get involved, regardless of their skill level, and promotes peer support, creativity, and resilience. By reducing pressure and spotlighting fun, it allows children to fall in love with cricket in a way that feels natural and positive.

Norman Gilbert, President of the GCA, captured this spirit during the launch event. “This programme reflects the core values of teamwork, discipline, and community that cricket embodies,” he said. “It’s about giving young players an avenue to grow, learn, and dream big.”

His remarks echo the growing recognition among educators and sports leaders that structured play in childhood plays a critical role in cognitive, emotional, and physical development. With a non-competitive format, “Five for Fun” also levels the playing field for girls, students with varying physical abilities, and those who are new to cricket.

Grassroots Sports in Grenada: Community Impact and Long-Term Vision

The programme's impact extends beyond cricket pitches. For communities in Grenada, particularly in rural and underserved areas, grassroots sports initiatives bring people together and create safe, constructive spaces for youth. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Ms. Kim Frederick, emphasized that partnerships like these demonstrate how sport can be a national development tool.

With the programme running across six zones, and 2024 champions Crochu R.C. School returning to defend their title, there’s growing enthusiasm and pride among schools, families, and local officials. The winning school in 2025 will not only receive recognition but also startup gift vouchers for Republic Bank RightStart accounts an added incentive that blends financial literacy with sporting achievement.

Every participant will receive a certificate and branded tokens, creating a sense of belonging and accomplishment that reinforces positive behavior and school attendance.

A Legacy in the Making: Celebrating Today, Shaping Tomorrow

Cricket in the Caribbean has always been about more than just sport it’s part of the cultural fabric. Through the Republic Bank youth cricket Grenada partnership, initiatives like the Five for Fun cricket programme are reigniting that passion at the grassroots level. For players like West Indies Women’s star Afy Fletcher, who attended the launch, these opportunities weren’t as common when she was growing up. Her presence served as both inspiration and proof of where commitment and opportunity can lead.

With the renewed efforts in coaching, youth engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the programme is building more than cricketers it’s building leaders, learners, and citizens.

As the next generation of boys and girls step onto schoolyards with a bat in hand and laughter in the air, the message is clear: cricket is alive in Grenada, and its future is bright, inclusive, and fun.