Port-of-Spain, Trinidad – 14 May 2025 – Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have officially launched the Republic Bank Five for Fun cricket programme in Trinidad and Tobago, bringing the innovative five-player, five-over youth cricket format to 80 primary schools across the nation.
The launch event took place at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva on Thursday, 1 May, as part of a regional grassroots initiative aimed at introducing cricket to children aged 8 to 12 in a fun, inclusive, and structured format.
Five for Fun cricket: format and goals
The Five for Fun programme, first introduced in St. Lucia in 2021, has already expanded to Grenada, Guyana, and St. Kitts & Nevis. In Trinidad, it will feature 10 primary schools from each of the eight education districts. Each team includes five players (three boys and two girls) selected from a maximum squad of eight. Matches will feature two 5-over innings per side.
The format is designed to emphasize fun and accessibility, while promoting core values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership, and communication. It also serves as a feeder system for CWI’s Future Stars talent identification initiative.
Cricket as a tool for development and education
Ms. Karen Tom Yew, General Manager, Group Enterprise Risk at Republic Bank, said:
“Cricket is deeply rooted in the heart of our nation. Five for Fun passes on this passion to a whole new generation. It’s a platform for teamwork, learning, and igniting a lifelong love for the sport.”
Mr. Azim Bassarath, Vice President of CWI and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, added:
“This grassroots initiative is timely and essential in rebuilding mass participation cricket. It must be seen as a vehicle to encourage positive behavioural change in our youth.”
Programme structure and key dates
According to Kelvin Mohammed, National Programme Coordinator and President of the National Primary Schools Cricket League, the calendar will include:
- May to mid-June: Coaching sessions, friendly competitions, and lunchtime activities
- 16–18 June: District playoffs
- 23–27 June: District festivals
- 9 July: National Finals at the National Cricket Centre, Couva
During the season, hundreds of students will be exposed to the game through school-wide involvement, even if only eight players officially represent each school.
Ministry of Education and SPORTT lend support
Mrs. Mignon King, Curriculum Coordinator for Physical Education and Sport at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the programme’s alignment with the Ministry’s cultural transformation policy, aiming to reduce deviant behaviour and enhance holistic education.
Mrs. Lyndell Hoyte-Sanchez, Community Sport Head at SPORTT, confirmed the involvement of 19 cricket coaches in delivering the programme in selected schools.
Republic Bank’s broader cricket strategy
Powered by the Republic Bank Power to Make a Difference initiative, Five for Fun is part of a two-pronged strategy that also includes the Bank’s role as Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
This initiative underscores Republic Bank’s commitment to youth empowerment through sport, community development, and the long-term growth of cricket in the Caribbean.
