[PHOTOS] Batting for success: Puchong’s local heroes fundraise for safe cricket practice

KUALA LUMPUR – Grassroots sports development has been often talked about in Malaysia.

The efforts for this may not necessarily come through national sports associations, but local communities could also play a part by participating with the intention to empower even a small group of budding athletes.

One such effort is evident through Jerome Fernandez, a retired headmaster at SK Sultan Yahya Petra 2 in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, where he taught in the 1990s.

Since he moved to Kuala Lumpur to be with his daughter Daphne and her husband, he also has had more time to spend with his grandchildren.

Having a strong passion for cricket, he introduced the sport to his school and coached the under-12, -15, and -18 teams.

The school also produced two national cricketers – Mohamad Shukri Abdul Rahim and Mohd Saifful Hawari.

Now, he passes on the knowledge to his grandchildren by coaching them at the nearby playground since five years ago.

Over time, neighbours saw their daily activity and started getting their children involved as well.

Currently, there are 18 young participants under his tutelage between the ages of 7 to 16 years old who play in his Cricket in the Park team at Taman Putra Prima in Puchong.

However, practising on a small piece of land surrounded by swings, seesaws and the slide posed some risks to other kids playing in the area due to the risk of getting hit by the cricket bat or ball.

Eventually, Fernandez and the parents of his little league members came up with the idea to set up cricket nets so the team could practice safely while other children could enjoy their time at the playground.

Thanks to the local council, they have received the green light to engage a contractor and are now working to raise funds of about RM24,000. – The Vibes, June 19, 2023