WIPA in the Community (WIC) is WIPA’s cricket development programme.
Thanks to sponsorship from Atlantic, the programme has reached new heights. Coaches were trained and certified—over 50 of them so far—through Cricket West Indies and Cricket Australia. And they weren’t just skilled in the sport; every coach was also certified in First Aid and CPR, prepared to care for the well-being of every child under their watch.
Each participating school received more than just coaching. They were given first aid kits, branded t-shirts, water bottles, and top-quality cricket gear—essentials that helped young players feel part of something bigger.
Between 2013 and 2019, WIC Trinidad stepped up as a proud sponsor of the Point Fortin Borough League, bringing cricket clubs from across the peninsula together. The league wasn’t just about competition—it was a celebration. And during the Point Fortin Borough Day, WIC Trinidad brought even more joy by organizing festival matches, where local fans got the rare chance to meet and cheer for past and present national and international cricket stars.
But the story isn’t only about cricket. WIC Trinidad took on bigger battles, like bullying in schools. They created an anti-bullying campaign, sharing educational DVDs with students and teachers, starting conversations that mattered.
For young cricketers showing exceptional talent, the programme offered more than the basics. Elite cricket camps were held at James Park Cricket Ground in Point Fortin—a facility developed by WIPA itself, complete with a turf pitch and practice nets open to the public. It became a place where dreams could be sharpened, one ball at a time.
And as the coaches grew, so did their knowledge. Regular workshops ensured they stayed on top of the game, learning new techniques and approaches to better guide the youth.
WIC Trinidad’s efforts have paid off. Some of its young players have gone on to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the national level, while others have competed in national trials. The programme has also celebrated team success, winning the National Girl’s Cricket Competition and the National Girl’s Primary Schools Competition.
Then came the pandemic. Like everything else, the programme had to adapt. Large gatherings paused, but WIC Trinidad didn’t stop. Instead, they focused on certifying more coaches, offering online and in-person workshops for school-aged children, and running smaller, focused coaching clinics to keep the passion alive.
Today, WIPA in the Community Trinidad stands as more than a sports programme. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in its youth—not just as players, but as people.
In January 2019, the spirit of WIPA in the Community crossed the sea and made its way to Jamaica, carrying with it a mission to inspire, uplift, and empower youth through cricket.
The programme kicked off in select schools across St. Catherine, Kingston, and St. Andrew, focusing on secondary school students in the Under-14, Under-16, and Under-19 age groups. But it wasn’t just about the game—it was about creating opportunities, building character, and offering young people something to be proud of.
At the heart of the initiative were the coaches—former cricketers, now certified professionals and proud members of WIPA. For many of them, this programme wasn’t just a job; it was a second chance to give back to the sport that shaped them. Through their work, students received not only top-level cricket coaching but also mentorship from individuals who truly understood the game—and life beyond it.
In its first year alone, seven schools were part of WIC Jamaica. The momentum grew quickly. That same year, the programme teamed up with Wray & Nephew to host a vibrant 2-day coaching clinic as part of the SDC National Community T20 Cricket Competition. The event buzzed with energy, and the message was clear: WIC Jamaica was here to stay.
Then, like everywhere else, the world changed with the arrival of the pandemic. But instead of slowing down, WIPA in the Community Jamaica expanded. More schools expressed interest. Young people were eager to get involved. And organizations like ISSA (Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association) stepped in to support the growing vision.
Today, WIC Jamaica is more than just a cricket programme. It’s a source of inspiration, a space for growth, and a community that continues to evolve. Through sport, it connects generations, builds confidence, and opens doors—one young cricketer at a time.
