Republic Bank’s ‘Five For Fun’ Cricket Programme Touches Down in Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Cricket fever swept through the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Wednesday, as Republic Bank Limited and Cricket West Indies (CWI) officially launched the highly anticipated Five for Fun Cricket Programme in Barbados, bringing cheers and wide smiles to hundreds of primary school pupils.

Following successful runs in St. Lucia, Guyana, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Kitts and Nevis, the programme makes its historic first appearance in Barbados, targeting 60 primary schools across the island.

Designed for children aged 7 to 12, the Five for Fun format emphasises enjoyment, inclusion, teamwork, and the cultivation of basic cricket skills in a lively outdoor setting.

The symbolic launch ceremony drew an impressive gathering, including representatives from the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), former West Indies stars Vasbert Drakes and Kurt Wilkinson, current Barbados and West Indies player Chemar Holder, and pupils from five local schools: Bayley’s Primary, Blackman and Gollop Primary, Good Shepherd Primary, West Terrace Primary, and Luther Thorne Memorial Primary.

Wendell Coppin, BCA’s Cricket Operations and Development Manager, welcomed the initiative, saying it is designed to spark the next generation of Barbadian and West Indian cricketers.

“This year marks an exciting milestone as Republic Bank’s ‘Five for Fun’ makes its debut in Barbados. The BCA is proud to partner with Republic Bank and CWI in delivering this all-important primary school initiative,” Coppin said.

“We are thrilled to have close to 60 schools participating in this inaugural year, with scheduled training sessions conducted by coaches from the National Sports Council alongside BCA coaches. Students will also have the unique opportunity to interact with and be inspired by visits from national senior team cricketers throughout the programme.”

Coppin added that the initiative will strengthen grassroots cricket development, with Zonal Playoff matches and the National Festival Finals carded for October 2026, where students can showcase their progress.

BCA Chief Executive Officer Paul Skinner praised Republic Bank for introducing the programme at a vital time for youth cricket development.

“This programme is not a standalone initiative, but a key component of the national cricket development strategy,” Skinner said. “Through the collaborative efforts of the BCA and CWI, alongside the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sport, cricket clubs, and other organisations, we are committed to ensuring talented boys and girls emerging from this programme are provided with training opportunities and competitive pathways.”

Skinner extended sincere gratitude to Republic Bank, stating, “Your investment in the young people of Barbados and the wider Caribbean through cricket will not only be reflected in future appearances on world stages, but also in the cultivation of responsible, innovative, and progressive citizens.”

A major highlight came when it was announced that every participating pupil would receive a Republic Bank Barbados RightStart account with BBD $50 already deposited, news that drew loud applause from students.

Additionally, members of the inaugural national championship team will each receive BBD $200 added to their accounts, while runners-up will receive BBD $150 each.

Managing Director and CEO of Republic Bank Barbados, Carlene Seudat, spoke proudly about the growing partnership with CWI and the programme’s regional impact.

“At Republic Bank, we believe that building strong communities starts with investing in our youth. Today’s launch is not just about cricket. It is about opportunity, development, and shaping the future of our region, one child at a time,” Seudat said.

“Here in Barbados and the West Indies, cricket is more than a sport. It is part of our identity. We have produced world-class players like Shai Hope, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder, and Hayley Matthews, who began their journeys just like the children gathered here today, with a bat, a ball, and a dream.”

Training and coaching sessions for schools will run in June and July, followed by zonal playoffs in September 2026 and the National Festival Finals in October 2026. 

Barbados becomes the fifth and final territory to launch the Republic Bank Five for Fun Programme in 2026, following Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.