Excelsior High and May Day High to Compete in Tampa Youth T20 Cricket Tournament
Excelsior High School and May Day High School, both reigning champions in the Jamaican schoolboy cricket scene, are gearing up to compete in the upcoming Tampa Youth Twenty20 (T20) cricket tournament set to take place from November 27 to December 1 in Tampa, Florida. The tournament, which will coincide with the Thanksgiving weekend, promises to be an exciting opportunity for young cricketers to showcase their skills on an international stage.
Unfortunately, Tacky High, last year’s champions in the inaugural edition of the tournament, will not be in attendance this year. Coach Sheldon Pryce cited a shortage of funds as the main reason preventing the team from making the trip to Florida. Despite their absence, Excelsior High and May Day High are confident in their abilities to represent Jamaica with pride and determination.
Kirkland Bailey, coach of Excelsior High, expressed optimism about the upcoming tournament, noting that the organization has improved significantly since last year. He believes that this experience will be invaluable for his team as they prepare for the upcoming schoolboy cricket season in Jamaica.
Similarly, Stanford Davis, principal of May Day High, emphasized the importance of the tournament in providing exposure and experience to his young team. He sees this as an opportunity for his players to gain confidence and enhance their skills on the cricket field.
Tournament Coordinator Delroy Bent revealed that three Florida-based cricket academies will also be participating in the championship, alongside the Jamaican schools. He envisions the tournament growing in stature and significance in the years to come, highlighting the rising popularity of cricket in the United States.
Bent commended the United States Embassy in Kingston for their support in facilitating travel arrangements for the Jamaican teams, further emphasizing the collaborative effort to promote cricket development in the region. With high expectations for a competitive and thrilling tournament, all eyes will be on Excelsior High and May Day High as they aim to make an impact in Tampa’s Youth T20 cricket scene.
