4 Days in the Life of a Cricket Coach in Saint Lucia

Laurie’s journey as a cricket coach in St. Lucia was packed with moments of discovery, learning, and connection. Whether coaching on rugged school fields or inside a world-class stadium, he found talent and passion everywhere.

Inspired to coach abroad, experience cricket in the Caribbean, or take a gap year in sport? Laurie’s story shows just how impactful, and fun, it can be.

Day 1: First Coaching Session in Castries

Woke up at 10am, grabbed breakfast, and headed to the supermarket. The sun was blazing, so we hit the beach for a quick swim—only 30 minutes in the water and I already had sunburnt shoulders!

Later, Joël and I took the bus into Castries for our first coaching session at Marchand Primary School—one of the poorest areas in the city. Kids ran out of their classrooms, eager to grab the cricket gear we were carrying. We started with catching drills and moved on to practicing the straight drive. It wasn’t easy keeping everyone focused, but most picked it up quickly. We wrapped up with a game of diamond cricket which the kids absolutely loved.

Back home by 5:30pm, dinner, then out to Rodney Bay for a few drinks.

Day 2 – June 1st: Hidden Talent at SDA School

After a relaxing morning at the beach, we walked just two minutes to SDA School for our afternoon session. The field was small and covered in rocks—my session plan went out the window. I asked the kids what they usually did, and they quickly set up a wicket using chairs as stumps on the best patch of grass they could find.

The talent here was incredible. The first delivery flew past the batsman’s outside edge at real pace. Some of the kids had even represented St. Lucia at youth level. The rain cut our session short, but it was a great reminder that passion for cricket runs deep here—no matter the conditions.

Quiet evening in, playing cards with the other volunteers.

Day 3: Marchand’s Big Win

Headed out with Ervin at 9:30am to Mindoo Phillip Park for the district cricket tournament. Marchand, the school we had been coaching, were on fire—winning all their group matches with ease. The team spirit was unreal. They encouraged each other constantly and bowled with straight arms.

The final was intense. Marchand lost a few early wickets, but made up for it with tight bowling at the end. Against the odds, they won the tournament and will now represent their district at the national level.

To celebrate, we joined a boat party from Rodney Bay Marina just in time for sunset. We cruised down the coast to Castries and back, before heading to the Friday night street party at Gros Islet—the best one yet.

Day 4: A Masterclass at Beausejour Stadium

Still a bit tired from the street party, I left at 8:30am with Jack, Chris, and Sarah and arrived at Beausejour Cricket Stadium by 9am. We thought the session would be indoors, but to our surprise, it was on the main field!

There were around 35 kids, and I led the older group. We warmed up with football and a catching game, followed by a technical drill on the straight drive, then tape-ball cricket to finish. The setup was professional and the stadium backdrop was unforgettable.

Afterwards, we headed to Reduit Beach for a swim, then dinner in Rodney Bay with the group—a perfect way to end a special day.

Thinking of coaching abroad?
Discover the joy of sport, new cultures, and lasting memories—your own Caribbean coaching adventure awaits with United Through Sport.