In an exciting development for grassroots youth cricket across the Caribbean, Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have formally renewed their collaborative partnership for the 2026 iteration of the popular Primary Schools ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket Programme, reaffirming their long-held shared dedication to nurturing young talent and strengthening community cricket across the region.
Now marking its sixth consecutive year of operation, the fast-paced, inclusive initiative has cemented its status as a foundational pillar of youth cricket development in the Caribbean. Tailored specifically for children aged 7 to 11, the program opens the door to structured access to cricket — the region’s most culturally unifying national pastime — welcoming participants of all genders. Unlike traditional competitive cricket formats, Five for Fun introduces young learners to the core rules and skills of the game through a dynamic, modern framework that prioritizes participation, fun, and the development of transferable life skills over winning at all costs.
The 2026 competition season is scheduled to run from April through September, with activities hosted across five established Caribbean locations: Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. In a key milestone for the program’s growth this year, organizers have expanded the regional footprint to include Barbados for the first time ever. When the season kicks off, more than 320 primary schools across 187 local communities are expected to take part, engaging over 10,000 young students in professional structured coaching sessions and low-pressure competitive matches.
Richard S. Sammy, Group Vice President of Republic Financial Holdings and Vice President of Republic Bank, emphasized the institution’s core belief in the transformative power of recreational sport in a statement on the partnership renewal. “At Republic Bank, we believe in the power of sport as a conduit for building confidence, character, and transforming lives. Our continued partnership with Cricket West Indies through the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme reflects our commitment to youth development and strengthening communities across the Caribbean,” Sammy explained. “Through this initiative, we are not only introducing children to the joy of cricket, but also helping them develop important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, resilience, and ambition. These lessons extend far beyond the field and help prepare them for success in every aspect of life. We are proud to support a programme that creates meaningful pathways for the next generation, both in sport and in leadership across our region.”
CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the unique value of the long-running public-private partnership for Caribbean communities. “Cricket West Indies is tremendously proud of our continued partnership with Republic Bank on the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket programme, as it continues to grow as a vital grassroots initiative, combining cricket development with life skills in a safe and engaging environment where young boys and girls can learn, express themselves, thrive and grow,” Dehring said. “It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring cricket remains a meaningful part of the school experience, while creating clear development pathways for young talent across the Caribbean to progress both on and off the field.”
The Five for Fun Programme operates as a core component of the Caribbean’s broader regional cricket development ecosystem, working in close coordination with local and national stakeholders including regional Ministries of Education and Sport, national Cricket Associations, public primary school systems, local community cricket clubs, and other community partners. This integrated collaborative model has already delivered proven results: several program alumni have already progressed to represent their home countries at both the national junior and senior international cricket levels.
As the program continues to expand its reach and impact across the Caribbean, it has emerged as a leading example of how intentional strategic partnerships between private enterprise and sporting governing bodies can integrate sport and education to empower the next generation of both Caribbean cricketers and community leaders.