Probably the wrong thread but anyways - What's your take on some of the best ways to increase local participation?
Here in Singapore we struggle to get the Chinese and Malay kids playing the game, even if Singapore born 2nd generation expat Indians are at least ensuring we have a good supply of SG citizens playing the game.
Gee, that's a tough one with so many variables - government engagement / acknowledgement is such a big step in the process - whilst maintaining push/pull with kids/parents/teaches etc. In short, I think it's all about (off the top of my head):
* Buy-in: Community leaders/ teachers / parents / elders need to be spoken to early in the process about the programmes, the sport's reach, expected learnings etc - so when the kids go home asking to do it, half the job's done (easier said than done but this is key)
* Accessibility: the school / community group needs to have regular access to consistent programmes - be they run by coaches or volunteers
* Simplicity: nothing starts with a forward defensive shot - look at what CA are doing with their modified in2cricket alongside what Brazil are doing with their programmes - they are designed to be simple, fun - and about learning the basics of the game (and team work). In essence kids should not be actually playing full games until they are fully engaged and the match itself is a natural step from where the programme has progressed from.
* Build local heroes: even if this means within the small group who are learning, in Brazil (can you tell it's a fave of mine) the leaders who emerge from the group become "black shirts" and become quasi-coaches / community advocates themselves - and what does this cost? Introduce the national players and high performing domestic stars... show the kids *and the players) there's recognition of your performance / you're valued
* Language skills - need to get this right - sometimes, it will all need to be in a local language by necessity, but don't down play the power of the game to also teach English, especially where you're working in a developing country where it is a key for future success in life to be competent in it.
* Commercial value - inevitably you need to be able to pay for this. Most large companies will have a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) budget and this is your target. Get your outcomes / strategy clear and get into see ever multi-national and/or local int'l success story you can to find to partner/s with. THe other option is to approach government / or foreign offices such as the Aussie consulate who also have funding for a CSR cause that have a connection to that country.
Hope this all makes sense - not much sleep! As I said it's really off the top of my head so feel free to ask / point out changes / things I've missed.
