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It is an exciting time for cricket in Belgium as the Belgian Cricket Federation (BCF) undergoes developments at both ends of its cricketing spectrum. At the top, a restructure of the national body will see a shake up in the administrative system, whilst at the other end of the scale, the development of a flourishing schools program ensures cricket continues to grow amongst the Belgian youth.

At the grass roots level cricket is getting a kick start thanks to the enigmatic work of professional coach, Fazil Mahmoud. Journeying from his new found home in Mechelen, Mahmoud is fast making his way round schools across Flanders to spread the gospel of cricket amongst the Flemish schoolchildren. Visiting a total of 14 schools on a regular basis, Mahmoud’s time is stretched to the limit, and to ensure that the cricket continues when he is not present, the majority of teachers from these schools will attend a Cricket Introductory Course at the Scheppersinsituut in Mechelen in early December.

Paul Larivière, the National Development Manager, who prepares and organizes Fazil’s visits to all schools, reported on the new initiative saying, “The response and reaction of teachers and pupils is absolutely tremendous and I am sure Belgian Cricket will benefit from this in the long run”.

Elsewhere, Belgian Cricket is hoping to benefit from a change in the make up of its national body. The Cricket Vlaanderen project, as it has come to be called, will see the division of the national body into regional associations, a necessary step if the federation wants to qualify for subsidies from the Flemish Government. It comes from the premise that sports and culture are no longer governed nationally, but are instead controlled at the regional level.  The move will also enable Cricket Vlaanderen to become a member of Flanders' sports council (BLOSO) and if the time comes for cricket to be recognized as an Olympic Sport, the federation will be eligible to join BOIC (Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee). All other Belgian national sporting federations have undergone a similar change and it is essential that BCF follows suit.  The changes will see a shake up in BCF’s administrative and organisational framework, which will in turn benefit its member clubs.

So, with a new governance structure and thriving youth scheme, Belgian Cricket looks set for a bright future.