New Calgary cricket program sees dozens of children hit the field
A new Calgary cricket league is allowing children to take a swing at the sport — and it's already seen its popularity skyrocket.
The Future Stars Cricket League held its first open tryouts for kids aged 8 to 17 last month, and organizers weren't sure what to expect for a turnout. There are now 180 kids on 13 teams across the city.
"It's for everyone. If you're hearing about the sport for the first time, or if you've been playing for the past three or four years, it's for everyone," said Rommel Shahzad, one of the coaches with the program.
"We don't have any restrictions. Anyone can come and join," he said.
The league is completely free, including equipment and jerseys, though the group offers a paid cricket academy for players who want to spend more time honing their skills.
Shahzad is on Canada's national cricket team, and all of the coaches with Future Stars are playing at the international or national level.
Dania Imam has two young sons who joined the league this fall after practicing the sport at home.
The Future Stars Cricket League is bringing the sport to Calgary youth (CTV News Calgary/Jordan Kanygin).
"Because we watch cricket at home quite a bit, they've always been interested and they have been thrilled to come to these camps and play in the league," she said.
The academy and league come at a good time, Shahzad says, with the sports popularity soaring in the last decade in Canada.
"Honestly, I can just say this is a very good learning sport. It's a growing sport in Canada, so definitely come and check it out," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.