The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER completing another successful summer baseball camp on Windsor Park, Mario Ford decided to provide another avenue for the young boys in the inner city communities to develop their skills by hosting a youth development programme.

The eight-week programme, which will conclude this coming Saturday, was incorporated by Ford to provide more opportunities for the players to develop and showcase their skills.

"We needed this because some of the more advanced players have gone on to play in some of the other leagues like Freedom Farm and JBLN," Ford said. "So we wanted to keep those kids here that have had the opportunity to go on to enhance their skills."

In the programme, the players are still being taught the basic fundamentals of the game by one of the greatest Bahamian players that ever played in the sport. At the same time, Ford said he tries to make it as fun-filled as possible so the players can enjoy themselves at the same time.

"We have a lot of five and six- year-olds who have been here since March and are trying to learn the game," he said. "They were here during the summer when we focused on learning to field and throw the ball and hit the ball.

"We go through the basic drills with them every week, but we also allow them to get into a game situation where they have to be able to execute some of the things that they were taught. That's the fun part of the learning progress."

Elisha Carroll, at age 13, is one of the more advanced players in the programme. The TA Thompson eighth grader got started in the programme from since he was four years old and he has shown a vast improvement in his skill level.

"I like the way we get to socialise with the other players and even those parents who come out and support the programme," he said. "I like to play the catcher, pitcher and shortstop positions, but I want to learn to be able to help the other players to improve the way I have since I came here."

Carroll feels that Ford has made an impact on his life as he has instilled some positive vibes in preparing him for the game and he would encourage others who are interested to join the programme.

"This is a good place to come out and learn the game of baseball and to stay away from a lot of the negative influences out there," he stated. "This can help you to stay on the right path."

Eight-year-old Malik Dean is a sixth grader at EP Roberts Primary School. He has been attending the programme since March and he feels that he has benefitted tremendously. "I've learned how to really play the game, especially bat the ball," he said. "I think coach Mario Ford has done a good job with us. I enjoy being out here."

Ford said he's been encouraged by the many persons who allow their children to be a part of the programme and is even more appreciative of those who stay and watch or lend a helping hand in assisting with the activities that are planned.

He's hoping that with more support from corporate Bahamas, he can eventually get the programme to become a vibrant youth league in the inner city that can mimic the more successful Freedom Farm and JBLN leagues in the eastern end of the island.