The Westman Cricket Association (WCA) is thrilled to receive $9000.00 from the Westoba Credit Union Inspire Program to create a much needed practice cage this summer at the J&G Homes Cricket Field.
Construction of the J&G Homes Cricket Field in 2021 at Simplot Millennial Park gave the WCA a permanent home in Brandon. Association President, Kushang Patel said the Westoba Practice Cage will be a first for Brandon and will have a significant impact on attracting more cricket enthusiasts, high-level competitions as well as building the skills of existing and new players.
“Cricket is a growing sport in Brandon, for adults and kids.” Said Patel.” The Westoba Practice Cage is the piece we needed to create a proper facility and limit expensive travel to Winnipeg for skill training.”
The WCA includes a men’s recreation league, as well as a youth program that is growing in
interest partly due to affordable registration rates and the addition of cricket to the Brandon School Division athletic program. Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School is targeting 30 kids on their team this year with an additional 25 kids from Vincent Massey High School building a team and taking part in cricket training.
“Ages from five to 19 are welcome to join for the summer 2022 season, “said Patel. “No prior knowledge or equipment is required to participate. The cost for the entire season is $50, which includes weekly training, competitive matches, full access to all the equipment and coaches, and a personalized jersey.”
The WCA plans to increase the number of games this season to 70 from the 30 they played in 2021. The WCA also plans to host a tri-series between Winnipeg, Regina, and Brandon this year and is working with the Manitoba Cricket Association (MCA) to arrange for teams like the Brandon Bisons and Brandon Renegades to play six of their games in Brandon and six in Winnipeg. The WCA remains in talks with the MCA to finalize details on the Cricket Canada 2022 national tournament scheduled to take place in Manitoba this year.
Work on the Westoba Practice Cage is expected to start soon with a completion date aimed at early summer.
