Sixteen years ago, Andre Bryce started with a simple idea — give young cricketers a place where they could feel comfortable, express themselves, and learn the game properly.

This month, that idea becomes history. Bryce’s Cricket Development and Enhancement Academy, co-powered by AB213_ Pro Elite, will stage what is being billed as the largest Best of Three U-21 50 Overs Bilateral Youth Series in the world — Jewelry Kings versus AB213 Pro Elite — with three matches across Kingston from November 15 to 22.

The first game is set for Sunday, November 15 at Sabina Park, the second game is on Saturday, November 21 at Kensington Cricket Club, Rollington Town and the third and final game is on Sunday, November 22 at Sabina Park.

It is a moment Bryce says has been a long time coming.

“The Bryce’s Cricket Development and Enhancement Academy has been in existence for over 16 years. My journey into coaching began when I was introduced to the profession by well-renowned businessman and CEO of Jewelry King, Mr Vicky Amin,” Bryce said.

“At its inception, our primary focus was to create an environment conducive to learning, where young, aspiring cricketers could feel comfortable expressing themselves and developing their skills. Having established the necessary fundamentals, we subsequently recognised the importance of providing them with opportunities to challenge themselves on the actual playing field, where they could test their abilities against one another,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

That philosophy is now the driving force behind this series and for Bryce, it is about more than just cricket, it is about saving careers.

“The primary objective of this series is to provide opportunities for the previous crop of U-19 players who have transitioned beyond that age category to remain active, competitive and relevant. Far too often, we have witnessed promising young cricketers fall by the wayside because of the lack of a proper succession plan following their transition from youth cricket to the senior level,” Bryce explained.

It is a gap that has haunted West Indies cricket for years — talented teenagers shining at U-19 level, only to disappear with nowhere to go. Bryce wants this series to be the bridge and the world will be watching.

“We are also specifically aiming to showcase our brand and the extraordinary talents of these young cricketers to the world, with two of the three U-21 50-over matches being livestreamed to captivate a global audience,” Bryce said.

“We sincerely hope that, following this historic Bilateral Youth Series, we will attract additional sponsors and corporate partners willing to support and expand this initiative,” he added.

The series will not be short on talent. Headlining the cast is West Indies A batsman Jordan Johnson, along with Justin Beckford, Tamarie Redwood, and Vitel Lawes. They will be joined by a strong group of former West Indies U-19 cricketers — Steve Wedderburn, Adrian Weir, Reon Edward, Deshawn James, Pajay Nelson, Tyriek Bryan, and Trevaun Williams.

It is a line-up Bryce believes proves the quality on offer.

“The series will feature some of the world’s finest young talents,” he said.

Now those talents will be split between two proud teams — Jewelry Kings and AB213 Pro Elite — fighting for bragging rights and the championship prize.

Bryce was quick to thank the sponsors and partners who have made the historic series possible. Among them are Rohan Patel of Parsippany Cricket Club, New Jersey; Wayne Freeman of Freeman Associates LLC, who will sponsor all individual awards – Most Runs (US$250), Most Wickets (US$250) and Most Valuable Player (US$500); Bluezonik Jamaica and CEO Sam Narwani; Jewelry King Jamaica; Baltimore Royals Sunny Sohal Cricket Academy (BRSSCA), USA; and Punjab Cricket Club, New Jersey.AB213_ Pro Elite; and Bryce’s Cricket Development and Enhancement Academy are the premier sponsors, contributing JM$100,000 towards the championship-winning team, along with several additional surprises.

Bryce also paid tribute to West Indies cricketers Amir Jangoo, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales and Jewel Andrew, who have endorsed the movement, as well as fast-rising commentary voice Nikhil Uttamchandani and two of the most promising young cricketers in the USA, Neil Chukka and Vyan “Sachin” Kaushik of BRSSCA.