Matthew Pottaya emerges as top performer at RHTYSC Academy

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) successfully concluded its 34th annual cricket academy, with Matthew Pottaya emerging as the top performer.

Held from July 8th to 19th, the academy attracted nearly 90 young players who benefited from the guidance of a qualified coaching panel led by Level 3 coach Winston Smith.

The curriculum emphasized not just on-field skills like batting, bowling, and fielding, but also on physical fitness.

The academy went beyond the technical aspects of the game. Participants attended sessions on cricket history, sportsmanship, personal hygiene, and the importance of education. They also participated in community outreach initiatives through donations to local charities.

Following a competitive selection process that included multiple-choice tests, essays, and practical assessments, Pottaya was named the academy’s “Cricketer of the Academy.”

His impressive performance earned him a significant prize package valued at over $300,000, featuring an electric bike, electronics, apparel, and sporting goods.

National under-13 player Tameshwar Deonadan finished as runner-up, while Jada Frazer was recognized as the best female performer. Awards were also distributed for categories like best batsman, bowler, attendance, and discipline.

RHTYSC cricket manager Robby Kissoonlall highlighted the academy’s longstanding role in nurturing young talent. Since its inception in 1991, the program has trained over 4,000 youths, with 123 graduates progressing to represent Berbice, Guyana, and even the West Indies at various levels.

The academy concluded by announcing its newly selected under-11 squad for a specialized elite training program. These young players will receive ongoing support and equipment to help them reach their full cricketing potential.

The RHTYSC academy’s success serves as a testament to the club’s dedication to fostering the next generation of Guyanese cricket stars.