The Eastern Region Cricket Association (ERCA) organized a two-day refresher course in Scoring and Umpiring, as well as Coaching, at Akwamuman Senior High School on Friday and Saturday, June 27–28, 2025, for 25 participants drawn from various communities within the Asuogyaman District.
The training was designed to prepare all technical personnel ahead of the upcoming U-19 Girls Cricket League in Zone 1, slated for July 2025. The sessions brought together coaches, young players, former national youth captains, and cricket lovers from areas such as Asikuma, Boso, Frankadua, Akosombo, Akrade, Mangoase, Senchi, Tortibo, Pupuni, and beyond.
Some of the beneficiaries included familiar names in the district’s cricket scene like Nancy, Clement, and Addai. Their participation formed part of a bigger goal—securing the future of cricket in the region and nurturing the next generation of players.
Day one of the refresher focused on umpiring basics. Participants were taken through the key responsibilities of an umpire, match-day preparation, necessary equipment, decision-making under pressure, and the various signals used during a game. The session emphasized the critical role umpires play in the smooth running of a cricket match.
Later that day, attention shifted to scoring. Participants were guided through the synergy between umpire and scorer, and the importance of capturing every ball, run, and decision accurately. They were taught how to interpret umpire signals and how to document the flow of a game without error.
Day two was all about coaching. Led by Level 1 Coaching Tutor Naomi Osei and regional executive Patrick Osafo, the practical session covered batting techniques, bowling drills, and fielding formations. Both new and experienced coaches took part in tailored tutorials designed to equip them to train young female players effectively ahead of the league.
The refresher course was facilitated by key figures of the ERCA, including Secretary Fred Anim Lartey and Treasurer Francis Abeeku Donkor. It was sponsored by the Ghana Cricket Association (GCA) as part of its mandate to boost grassroots cricket development across the country.
Speaking to participants at the close of the program, Mr. Lartey stressed the importance of putting the lessons learned into practice and helping build a vibrant cricket culture in Asuogyaman. “This is more than preparation for a league,” he said. “It is about laying the groundwork for a long-lasting cricket structure in the district.”
As the Asuogyaman U-19 Girls League returns for the first time since 2023, expectations are high that the district will discover fresh talent capable of climbing the ranks to represent Ghana on the national stage.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
