The annual Mini league cricket and netball summer camps sponsored by Noranda Bauxite Company for youngsters in St Ann commence today at Noranda Sports Club, Discovery Bay, and the St D’Acre Community Centre, Alexandria.

Some 330 youngsters between the ages of 9-15 years will participate in the programme scheduled to end on July 30.

Volunteer adults including Noranda employees will act as coaches, managers and co-ordinators of the 12 cricket and 12 netball teams who will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and week-ends for matches, training, and character development sessions.

The players will be given full uniforms and proper gear to familiarise themselves with the rules and traditions of the games which are played under international standards.

The Mini League was introduced in 1979 in the bauxite communities and has provided a nursery for community, parish and national team representatives over the years.

Cricketers who have reached national levels include Leon Garrick, Orville Pennant, Andre Dyer, Xavier Marshall, Carl McDonald, Raghni Francis, Eamani Sewell, Rashard Marshall, Glenroy Hall and Marlon Pinnock.

Chinelle Henry, who still plays in the Mini League, represented the Jamaica Women’s team last year at age 13 years.