The perceptions of players and their parents/guardians regarding the effectiveness of Cricket South Africa's Hub programme in the Western Province region of South Africa

Abstract

Background: In South Africa, the Cricket Hub development programme seeks to address the lack of access to cricketing excellence in disadvantaged communities by offering coaching, facilities, and support to the players. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the Hub programme through evaluating the perceptions of the players and their parents/guardians. Methods: This study used Likert-scale questionnaires to systematically capture the perspectives of the players and their parents/guardians. A total of 230 questionnaires were issued to players and their parents/guardians. There was a 46% response rate for the players and a 44% response rate for the parents/guardians. Results: The perception of the players and their parents/guardians was overwhelmingly positive across all key themes. These themes included player development, training environment and resources, match exposure, holistic impact, safety, and communication. Conclusion: The Hub programme advances the agenda of Cricket South Africa by fostering cricketing excellence in disadvantaged communities.