Final Day of School Coaching!

Final Day Coaching Schools Around Kigali

Our final day coaching around Kigali greeted us with perfect weather — not too cold, not too hot, just right for a full morning of cricket. After a bright and early breakfast, we packed up and headed to our first school for a 9am start. Though the sky was overcast, it certainly didn’t stop us or the kids from having fun.

We set up three stations to develop key cricket skills. At the first station, I led a session teaching how to grip the bat properly and play a forward drive in just three steps. The second station was run by the masterful coaches Nathan and James Jr, focusing on the bowling action. The final station, managed by skilled coaches Ben and Big James, involved catching techniques—hand positioning and closing the fingers firmly around the ball to secure it. Each station lasted 10 minutes, with groups rotating so everyone experienced all three areas.

Then the rain arrived. A brief but heavy downpour forced us to quickly shelter the equipment. Luckily, after about five minutes the shower passed, and we were able to continue with two big games of rapid fire cricket.

Throughout the entire trip, I have never seen such enthusiasm from a group of teachers. They genuinely loved—really, loved—the game. While we RCA and CWB coaches ran the games, the teachers actively joined in, which was fantastic to witness. Their engagement sends a strong message: cricket is a game for everyone.

After two tightly contested games, the winning teams erupted with screams of excitement that had me covering my ears! The children’s pure joy and passion were infectious.

Overall, it was a fantastic but short day. There was a tinge of sadness knowing it was our last day coaching together in this way. It’s been an incredible experience so far, but the excitement continues—with the big Festival coming up tomorrow, promising even more great moments!

(Written by Aarin)