Gethin Smart, a young 21 year old University student from UK is a cricket coach whose passion for this sport has led him to Seenigama. Having a heart for both his much loved sport as well as those less fortunate, he decided to take a leap and fly to Sri Lanka and volunteer with the Foundation of Goodness where his goal was to share his knowledge and expertise with the young children who also share his passion for cricket.

Upon arriving in Seenigama in September 2007 Gethin began a campaign in the team’s first official schools tournament. Prior to his visit the children had only had 2 months of coaching but not having the opportunity to use a leather ball or bat. According to Gethin “Although the team had the talent for cricket with the help of Anjula, their Sri Lankan coach, I believe they required some guidance in transferring this talent out onto the pitch”. And this he did, by recognizing the potential of these young talented individuals and preparing them to enter a world of competitive cricket.

The Seenigama Under 13’s squad, who plays for the Seenigama Vimala Buddhi Maha Vidyalaya was all set to compete in their first ever game placed into Division IV – Group AQ, alongside far more experienced teams from the south coast of Sri Lanka. The first competitive match against Bentota Gamini Central College saw a fine bowling performance by the local team.

Following that initial game, the Under 13’s squad moved to compete with Podiwela Central College and Karandeniya Central College, where the Seenigama team successfully bowled them out, creating a record breaking history especially with Karandeniya, bowling them out for a total of 9 runs, which according to ‘Priyantha’ the Master in charge of Karandeniya Central College, was a “record not to be beaten for a long time”. Seenigama team certainly proved to be one that fights in securing a position in the group standings, through the collective team effort which they never fail to display.

Hard work certainly pays off. Through the winnings achieved by the Under 13’s squad, they have certainly progressed through to the second round of the Sri Lankan Schools Cricket Tournament. What a great achievement for these young individuals who were once deprived of the relevant cricket training and experience. Gethin Smart is indeed impressed with the results. According to him “From my 2 month stay so far in Sri Lanka, I have had the privilege of getting to know and coach a superb group of boys”.

His work has indeed been an encouragement with the Under 13 team. His intention was to show them the relevant batting techniques along with his alternative sports methods as a way of not only building good cricketers but also improving their self-esteem and confidence.

Although Gethin was in the village for only a short time, he has definitely formed a bond with the people of Seenigama. “It has been a privilege to coach the Under 13 Seenigama cricket team and with the talent I have witnessed, I have no doubt, given the opportunity, some of these young individuals could have played to a very high standard if they were in the UK” said Gethin.

If not for coaching efforts of Gethin Smart and Rod McCabe at the very beginning to identify their talent and the funding and assistance extended from our donors and supporters such as Harry Solomons (Kingsgrove Sport), West Australian Cricket Association (WACA), Moreton Cricket Club, Leeds Grammar School, Lichfield College and Brookfield State School, such talent of these young individuals would not have been recognized or nurtured as potential stars of the future.

With such talent originating from a tiny village as Seenigama, this young cricket team is sure to establish itself as a force amongst other more experienced schools in time to come.

The story would not be complete if we do not recognize and applaud the Surrey County Cricket Club (UK) for their magnanimous gesture in turning this marshy land into a beautiful cricket ground, without which none of these achievements would have been possible.

The Foundation of Goodness, whilst acknowledging the invaluable services provided by Mr Gethin Smart, the dynamic volunteer from Wales who is also a member of the Seenigama village youth team, we cannot forget the Under 13 official coach Mr Anjula Mendis, who has performed in a manner that epitomizes the spirit of cricket in these youngsters.