Spencer Middle School’s cricket club has grown from a handful of curious kids into a thriving team that’s about to take centre stage at the first-ever Outdoor Light Ball Cricket Festival at Starlight Stadium on June 10.
The event, running from 4 to 9 p.m., is a clear sign the club – and the sport itself – continues to gain momentum. Open to all students in School District 62, the festival marks a major milestone for a program that started small but has grown rapidly.
What began three years ago with just six students has evolved into a diverse and dynamic community of young players. The group now includes students from elementary through high school, representing six or seven different countries. Among them are five female players and even a second grader from Savory Elementary.
James Roy, the club’s founder and a teacher at Spencer, said the goal from day one was to create a space where students could connect through a sport deeply rooted in many of their families’ traditions.
“I started the club to give students a chance to connect with a sport many of their families love back home. It wasn’t just about playing cricket – it was about building a community where kids felt they belonged, no matter where they came from,” Roy said. “Those early practices were small, but the enthusiasm was huge.”
The club’s growth owes a lot to the relentless energy of Yvonne Clarke, its tireless promoter.
“I started carrying a cricket bat and stumps through the halls with a homemade sign saying, ‘Come play cricket!’ It caught attention,” Clarke said. “I visit classrooms, hold workshops at nearby schools, and bring in local cricket figures to get kids excited. For many of these students, cricket isn’t just a sport – it’s a link to their culture and their families’ traditions. That’s what keeps them coming back.”
That cultural richness is now reflected in the team’s makeup.
“It’s incredible to see kids from so many backgrounds playing side by side,” Roy said. “We want newcomers to feel at home and for everyone to enjoy the fun of the sport. It’s about more than competition – it’s about belonging.”
Keeping participation accessible is also a priority. The club charges no fees, ensuring that no student is left out due to financial barriers.
“We believe every kid should be able to join, no matter their financial situation,” Clarke said.
Donations and support from local cricket clubs – including Cowichan – have helped supply equipment. Recently, the club purchased a $700 bowling machine, allowing students to train indoors during colder months.
Looking ahead, Roy hopes the club sparks more district-wide matches and even dreams of seeing one of their players make the Canadian men’s cricket team.
With Canada recently competing on the world stage at the 2024 T20 ICC World Cup, and cricket now set to be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Roy believes the sport’s profile in Canada is only going to grow.
“It’s a slow build, but we’re on the right path. Kids are catching the bug," Roy said.
And when the first ball flies at Starlight Stadium on June 10, it will carry with it the energy of a rising generation – united by sport, culture, and a shared passion.
