The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, Education and the Creative Industries, proudly presents the 2025 Youth Cricket Tour – a tour designed to provide high-level cricket and cultural experience to some of the nation’s most promising young cricketers.
Departing Antigua on 6th July, 10 players will join 6 counterparts already in the United Kingdom on the annual Antigua Cricket Exchange programme, to participate in a two-week tour across England and Jersey (Channel Islands), returning home on 21st July. This initiative, now in its second year, reflects the Government’s commitment to youth development through sport, discipline and international exposure.
Led by Head Coach Winston Benjamin and supported by Assistant Coach David Joseph, Physiotherapist Amy Harris and Tour Manager Brent Scotland, the squad includes the following players: Brent Joseph Jr, Hosea Roberts, Jaylen Francis, Jared Jno Baptiste, Jayden Charles, J’Quan Athanaze, Kerique Mentore, Malique Walsh, Michael Greaves, Ozan Williams, Tarek Charles, Tayari Tonge, Vonde Bowers, William Pitman, Xanden Hobson and Xaveek Toppin.
The tour features seven competitive fixtures, including both T20 and 50 over matches:
- Match 1(T20) – Antigua and Barbuda vs Rollins Cricket Academy – 9 July, 1:00 PM
- Match 2 (50 overs) – Antigua and Barbuda vs West Herts CC – 10 July, 11:30 AM
- Match 3 (T20) – Antigua and Barbuda vs Weybridge CC – 11 July, 5:30 PM
- Match 4 (T20) – Antigua and Barbuda vs AEP All Stars Team – 14 July, 1:00 PM
- Match 5 (50 overs) – Antigua and Barbuda vs Jersey – 16 July, 11:00 AM
- Match 6 (50 overs) – Antigua and Barbuda vs Jersey – 18 July, 11:00 AM
- Match 7 (T20) – Antigua and Barbuda vs ACE – 20 July, 12:00 PM
The fixtures against Jersey will serve as the host side’s preparations for Jersey’s ICC U19 World Cup Qualifier campaign.
During the tour, the young athletes will experience some of England’s cultural and educational attractions. Highlights include a West End theatre production, a visit to Chessington World of Adventures, and a church service at Westminster Abbey.
The Hon. Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, said: “ _This tour is a reflection of our ministry’s commitment to providing young athletes with opportunities that go beyond the cricket field. Now in its second year, this initiative will equip our players with international sporting experience, broaden their worldview, and build discipline, camaraderie and pride in representing Antigua and Barbuda”._
Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, added: “ _While the players will hone their cricketing skills against competitive sides, they will also engage with the culture of the United Kingdom. We hope these experiences shape them not only as athletes, but as well-rounded ambassadors of our country who embrace excellence, spirituality and global citizenship. I warmly encourage the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora across the UK to come out and support our young cricketers.”_
In preparation for the tour, players have been involved in intensive training on and off the field including sessions on etiquette and communications. Special thanks to Senator Shenella Govia, Aldo McCoy and Heather Samuel-Daley for their enthusiastic and generous assistance in making this tour possible and co-ordinating the team selection process.
The tour has benefited from support from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (UK), Ambassador Ahmed Oleiwi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, Cricket Jersey, Harrow St. Mary’s Cricket Club and Keith Williams of the Antigua Exchange Programme. In collaboration with the High Commission, the Tourism Authority has jointly sponsored the official team kit which will be worn by the players during the tour.