Chairman of the Barbados Cricket Association’s (BCA) Youth Selection Committee, Elvis Howard says the island’s youth cricket dominance in recent years has not come by chance, but through a carefully structured and process-driven approach.
“This year, both our Under-15 and Under-19 boys’ teams won the CWI Rising Stars titles,” Howard said.
“It’s not about me or any individual selectors. It’s about the process. We are process-driven, not results-driven, and when you’re process-driven, you get consistent results,” Howard told NATION SPORT after the team returned home last Saturday.
Barbados retained the regional Under-15 title and defeated the previously unbeaten United States by six wickets to win the Under-19 crown late last month in St Kitts. Those victories marked 14 regional titles in the last eight years under Howard’s leadership, a record he attributes to early scouting, trial-based selection and strong relationships with school and club coaches.
“You look at performances in Under-13, Under-15, and other age group competitions,” he said.
“You look for the players who perform consistently over the season and not just in one match.”
He said one of the most significant changes has been moving away from traditional selection camps and instead holding competitive trial matches, where players are challenged to prove themselves in real game situations.
“Our trial matches are usually very competitive, and I always challenge the players to pick themselves by way of performances,” said Howard.
“For Under-15, we start with about 60 or 70 players, split into four teams. Then we reduce that to 30. After two more trial matches, we select the final squad and reserves. That system has worked. We’ve won five titles in recent years using that approach.”
Howard, who took over the youth selection post in 2016, said former cricketers on the panel have also played a key role in the success.
“If you look at it, it’s blessed with several experienced cricketers that are former Barbados players or former West Indies players,”
“Sherwin Campbell, former West Indies ODI captain, is also a coach. Shirley Clarke, a prolific batsman at the Under-19 level and a senior coach at the National Sports Council. Then there’s Roddy Estwick, Henderson Broomes, my go-to person in terms of knowledge,” he said.
He added that regular participation of youth teams in local senior competitions has also raised the standard and exposure of emerging talent.
“Another reason for our regional success is that our teams take part in our local tournaments among the senior players,” he said. “It’s been an excellent feeder and preparation tool.”
Howard also praised the communication link between the selection panel and school coaches and physical education teachers, which he said ensures both known and lesser-known players get attention.
“I see my role as chairman as one to help produce well-rounded individuals and to identify potential from early and provide opportunities to have it showcased,” he said.
“The communication link between the panel and school coaches or PE teachers is a good one, which provides for meaningful dialogue about known and unknown players.”
He credited the BCA for its support and called for the reintroduction of a second BCA youth team in the Super50 Cup in 2026 as part of future development.
Howard also took pride in the progress of players such as Matthew Forde and Jediah Blades, who have risen through the ranks to represent the West Indies.
“I remember Matthew telling me before his Under-17 tour to Trinidad, ‘Mr Howard, I’m bringing that trophy and putting it in your hand’, and he did just that,” said Howard.
“Jediah came through the system (from Under 15s to Under 19s) and that shows what’s possible when we do things right.”
The Barbados Under-17 team will head to Trinidad and Tobago over the next week looking to complete the treble when they take part in the CWI Men’s Rising Stars Under-17 Tournament, from August 10 to September 2.
