A trip to look back on with pride

I talked last night about the great virtues of the Ugandan coaches and this was again borne out with the tournament today. We had 26 teams of 12 children and the way they marshalled the groups again showed professionalism and a passion for coaching in this country.

We will all leave as better people and coaches for our experience in Uganda and I go back knowing that we have made a real difference with the teaching we have done. I can imagine that is how most people leave CWB projects and the numbers that come back for other trips bears this out.

From a personal point of view teaching Waka and Jackson to swim, the thrill on their faces, and massive appreciation they have shown will live with me forever. ‘From nothing to everything in 3 days’ as Waka said. They have promised me they will continue and I will be in Tokyo in 2020 to support them in the pool!

I and the whole team would like to say a massive thank you to all who have donated to the trip and safe in the knowledge that the money has gone to a great cause and cricket in Uganda is on the rise. The talent in the country is at times unbelievable. With more resources and pitches the athleticism of the children could go a long way! With the message of HIV/AIDS and the ABCT’s, the teachers will continue to share this and can do this through cricket.

JC

In echoing all the above this being my third trip and second to Uganda I never cease to marvel at the way CWB coaches throw themselves into situations that are wholly foreign in all senses. We would not coach if the same environments existed in the UK. We certainly would not coach the numbers we see. Yes we start with a plan but that plan can be fluid until five minutes before start and then changes again.

You have to come with a can do mentality and the glass has to be flowing over not just half full (you know what I am saying Jamie). Given this is my hat trick of trips it’s fair to ask what has changed? Honestly it is difficult to quantify. We coach thousands, the teachers gain skills and yes conversations with them suggest that on a very local level cricket continues to be part of the school curriculum. The big questions are whether the huge gaps between mini cricket and a progression to adult or age group can be closed through a process of talent identification and development of centres of excellence in locations that are accessible. It still feels we are scratching the surface. Over to you UCA.

All that aside the memories will linger long. A group of disparate (if not desperate ) individuals that for two weeks shared their lives with a whole country.

PR

Look out for our coach interviews tomorrow before we fly out 1.05am Sunday morning for the 9 hour flight home.