KFC Mini-cricket a big hit with kids
THE KFC Mini-cricket programme enters 2020 with new goals, a clear vision and excitement at the potential of the programme continuing to change lives through sport.
It’s the largest national grassroots development programme in South Africa and offers kids the critical building blocks for learning cricketing basics and entrenching a love for the game. The programme allows volunteer coaches at schools to offer a cricket sporting programme, even with basic fields and facilities.
KFC CSI manager Andra Nel set out what can be expected.
“We anticipate offering even more children the opportunity to learn life lessons through sport.
“Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed a year-on-year growth with an additional 40 000 children taking part in the programme.
“Late last year, the Gauteng MEC of sports and recreation held a sports indaba, where the department made a commitment to prioritise grassroots development for the next couple of years. In line with the MEC’S priorities,
KFC Mini-cricket will continue to strive to make an impact on learners across all 6 495 schools that participate in the programme, aiming to get them engaged both on and off the field of play.
“In 2019, the KFC Mini-cricket Programme concluded the year with over 126 000 children having taken part in over 40 000 games.
“This year we hope to reach more young participants and host even more events, in addition to the successful provincial festivals.
“This will also help channel more talented youngsters into the CSA pipeline to follow in the footsteps of Sinethemba Qeshile (Proteas), Bryce Parsons (SA U19) and Tumi Sekhukhune (Women’s Proteas) who have gone on to receive national honours and are set to make a major impact on the international game soon.”