The 2025 edition of the Republic Bank Five For Fun programme is set to spotlight grassroots cricket coaching and youth development at the local level. In preparation, the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) recently partnered with Cricket West Indies (CWI) to conduct a refresher and foundation course for over 30 coaches. The course, facilitated by CWI coach developers Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal, took place at the La Ressource Playing Field in Mabouya Valley, Dennery. SLNCA President Wayne Auguste addressed the participants, emphasising their vital role in the association’s strategic plan, particularly in the islandwide rollout of the Under-13 development programme. Republic Bank (EC) Limited launched the fifth edition of its inclusive youth cricket initiative, Five for Fun, in March. Piloted in Saint Lucia in 2021, the programme is a short-format Under-12 competition designed to introduce primary school children – both boys and girls – to structured cricket coaching while teaching the fundamentals of the game. As the foundation of CWI’s developmental pathway, Five for Fun, ensures access to cricket at the primary school level in a fun, safe and player-centred environment. Beyond skill development, the programme fosters social and life skills through the sport. This year, 31 primary schools in Saint Lucia will benefit from coaching under the initiative. Students will compete at the district level, with top performers advancing to the national finals in June.