Today we had the daunting task of visiting 4 different schools, having no idea how many kids there were, the standard of them and the space we had. Coaching is all about adaptability, and in Kenya this seems to be one of the most common themes, even in day to day living. 5 different stations were set up consisting of bowling , batting, catching and throwing games. I had throwing down the stumps to start. I have never seen such good arms at a young age, not only from the boys, but also from the girls.

This was a whistle stop tour and after an hour it was on to the next school where plenty of HIV messages were painted all over the walls. This school had a huge open space and the kids again were immaculately behaved and more importantly we couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces. By the end of the session we had the kids chanting their ABC’s, and more importantly nailing what they mean.

Lunch was provided at our 3rd school in which I sampled Ugali. This is the staple food of Kenya which I can confirm tasted like rice but had the consistency of congealing cement. This time we were at an all-girls school and I was given the challenge of target bowling. I have to say I was very impressed with the amount arms that remained straight in their action. I even discovered who could be the female version of Malinga. A very touching moment was when two of the girls asked to speak to me and said they had enjoyed the session so much that they wanted me to coach them on Friday at the schools tournament.

Big Mike was man in charge of our last school. We started off with 30 kids, which turned in 80 kids, which then was 150 kids. But we reckon it was approximately 250 children in the end. The highlight was by far, after the end of Lee and Jamie’s station, they formed a Conga line with their kids chanting ABC…CWB. This was then supplemented with a Dick Van Dyke-esque kick and even an Awoogaa!!

In total today we coached and entertained about 600 children. I am shattered. But it was completely worth it, I had a fantastic day and I can’t wait to get stuck in again tomorrow.