The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA), in partnership with the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (SporTT), has successfully concluded the 2026 Primary School Cricket Programme, celebrating the achievements of thousands of young participants across Trinidad and Tobago through festival events held in Tobago and Trinidad.
The programme, which ran for fourteen weeks, engaged 3,951 students from 101 primary schools nationwide, including 88 schools in Trinidad and 13 schools in Tobago. Through structured coaching sessions and friendly competition, students were introduced to the fundamentals of cricket while developing important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, confidence, respect and sportsmanship.
Tobago Celebrates Youth Development Through Sport
The Tobago leg of the programme concluded on July 3 at Shaw Park, where students, teachers, parents and supporters gathered to celebrate the impact of youth sport.
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, the Honourable Phillip Watts, joined SporTT Acting Chief Executive Officer Arnold Ram and other stakeholders in recognizing the achievements of participating schools and students. Also in attendance were representatives from the Tobago House of Assembly, national cricket mentors, and members of the cricketing community.
Students participated in spirited round-robin matches featuring Castara Government Primary School, Signal Hill Government Primary School and Table Piece Government Primary School, with Castara fielding two teams. The event culminated with the distribution of trophies and tokens to participating teams.
Minister Watts noted that the programme continues to demonstrate the value of sport as a vehicle for youth development and national growth.
“Today’s conclusion of the Primary School Cricket Programme in Tobago is a proud moment for youth and sport development in Trinidad and Tobago. Beyond the game itself, these children are learning discipline, teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship, qualities that will serve them well in every area of life.”
National Finals Held in Trinidad
The programme culminated on July 7 with the Primary School Cricket Festival Finals at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, bringing together young cricketers from across Trinidad.
The event celebrated not only sporting achievement but also the positive developmental outcomes of a programme that has grown into a significant grassroots initiative. Students had the opportunity to showcase the skills acquired throughout the programme while participating in a fun, structured and competitive environment.
Minister of Education, the Honourable Dr. Michael Dowlath, highlighted the importance of initiatives that contribute to the holistic development of children, noting that education extends beyond academic achievement and includes building confidence, healthy habits and personal responsibility.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of SporTT, Mr. Arnold Ram, emphasized the programme’s broad impact on students nationwide.
“While we are proud to see talented young cricketers emerging, we are equally proud of the way these sessions have helped students develop leadership, resilience, discipline and respect, qualities that matter far beyond the boundary ropes.”
Investing in the Future Through Sport
The success of the 2026 Primary School Cricket Programme reflects the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, SporTT, the Ministry of Education, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, coaches, principals, teachers, parents and volunteers who worked together to deliver the initiative throughout the country.
As the programme continues to expand opportunities for youth participation in sport, MSYA and SporTT remain committed to strengthening grassroots development pathways, promoting physical literacy and creating environments where young people can learn, compete and thrive.
Through initiatives such as the Primary School Cricket Programme, Trinidad and Tobago is continuing to invest in the next generation, using sport as a powerful tool to build healthier communities, develop future leaders and inspire lifelong participation in physical activity.
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