O’Brien hosts historic Waterford Tigers Kids Cricket Camp
Ireland cricketer Kevin O'Brien held a camp at the Waterford Tiger Cricket club last weekend.
On October 19, 2024, Waterford witnessed a milestone event as the first-ever kids' cricket camp took place, marking a significant step forward for the sport in the city. Organised by the Waterford Tigers Cricket Club, in association with Kevin O’Brien Cricket Academy and co-associated with Lismore Cricket Club, the camp aimed to introduce young aspiring cricketers to the game and provide them with quality coaching. The event saw an impressive turnout of 38 children, aged 5 to 16, from Waterford and nearby counties like Kilkenny and Wexford, reflecting the broad regional appeal of the program.
The camp was held at Ballygunner Indoor Stadium, starting at 1.30pm with an enthusiastic opening ceremony. Waterford Tigers Cricket Club manager, Justin, officially inaugurated the camp by handing over a Waterford Tigers jersey to Kevin O’Brien. Kevin, representing his academy, shared inspiring words about the significance of sports in shaping young minds and building life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. His passion for promoting cricket among children was evident as he encouraged the young participants to enjoy the day and embrace the sport.
The camp was structured to cater to various age groups, offering training sessions tailored for different skill levels. Kevin O’Brien led the coaching with support from Daniel and Nat, experienced trainers from Lismore Cricket Club. The three-hour session included fielding drills, batting and bowling techniques, and fun activities designed to introduce basic cricket skills while ensuring every child enjoyed the experience. The coaches' hands-on approach and enthusiasm created a dynamic learning environment for all the kids.
The day concluded with the presentation of participation medals and certificates to each young cricketer, recognizing their involvement and encouraging them to continue their cricket journey. Waterford Tigers cricket Club, along with Kevin O’Brien and the Lismore trainers, congratulated the children as they received their awards, leaving them inspired and eager to keep playing.
Waterford Tigers Cricket Club announced plans to continue promoting youth cricket in the region, with regular training sessions set to begin in January 2025. The overwhelming response to the camp and the participation from across multiple counties demonstrated the growing interest in cricket and the potential for the sport to thrive in Waterford. This event marked just the beginning of the club's efforts to build a strong foundation for future cricketers in the area.
