School sports development: Lagos trains games Masters/Mistresses in cricket fundamentals
By Tosin Omojola
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) organized a three-day clinic, “Train the Trainers,” for Games Masters and Mistresses in both public and private schools.
The program aims to deepen the foundation of school sports development, providing Games Masters, Mistresses, and Physical Education teachers with hands-on knowledge in the fundamentals of cricket.
The training, held at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, covered essential techniques to improve the participants’ skills in batting, catching, and bowling.
By equipping these educators with fundamental cricket skills, the LSSC seeks to ensure they can confidently impart knowledge and inspire a love for the sport among their students.
Lagos State Cricket Coach Salako Azeez highlighted the importance of this clinic in advancing the state’s strategy to revitalize grassroots sports. Recognizing Lagos as a leading hub for cricket in Nigeria, Azeez emphasized the commission’s commitment to supporting Games Masters and Mistresses in every school, helping them build a solid foundation in cricket.
Former Yellow Greens Captain and players’ representative on the Nigeria Cricket Federation board, Endurance Ofem, underscored the need to popularize cricket and nurture talent within schools.
He explained that providing teachers with the right skills is key to engaging young players, while coaches will be stationed across the state to offer ongoing technical support.
Participants expressed appreciation for the training. Ajeniya Monsurat from Federal Housing Nursery and Primary School, Victoria Island, praised the opportunity, saying, “I have learned about the essential skills in cricket—bowling, fielding, and batting—and look forward to teaching my pupils these fundamentals.” Sojurin Adebowale from Obele-Odan Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, shared that he feels prepared to pass on these basic skills to his students.
With a longstanding commitment to supporting sports development across schools, Lagos State is empowering educators to serve as the initial touchpoints in students’ sports journeys, with initiatives like this clinic enhancing their knowledge and fostering student engagement.
The three-day clinic concluded on Saturday, November 2, at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval, Akoka, Lagos.
