Young coaches 'rise and reign' with child rights at the heart of cricket
UNICEF and partners launch initiative to empower coaches, elevate girls’ participation in sport, and champion child rights through cricket
Thirty young coaches in Barbados have taken their first steps towards shaping the future of Caribbean sport through the Rise and Reign Initiative, a pioneering programme that places child rights and safeguarding at the centre of cricket coaching.
Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Innovation (Barbados), the Barbados Royals, the UWI Academy of Sport and UNICEF, the initiative is designed to upskill coaches, increase girls’ participation in cricket, and harness the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) platform for youth development and advocacy.
With UNICEF’s support, the coaches took part in intensive workshops covering life skills, nutrition, data collection and employment readiness. They also deepened their understanding of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and their obligations as duty bearers to the children they mentor. By embedding child safeguarding and child rights into the programme, UNICEF is ensuring that sport becomes a safe and empowering space for every child.
“When coaches understand their responsibility as protectors and advocates for children, sport becomes a powerful vehicle for learning, confidence and equality,” said Firhaana Bulbulia, UNICEF Youth Engagement Officer.
The experience extended beyond the classroom. At the historic Kensington Oval, the young coaches had the opportunity to meet leading CPL coaches and players, gaining first-hand insights into the professional game and inspiration to carry into their own work with children.
Empowering girls in sport
A key pillar of the initiative is to elevate girls’ participation in cricket. Later this year, the Rise and Reign Women in Sport/Cricket Summit will place gender equity in the spotlight, with discussions on menstrual health and hygiene in sport, as well as a youth-led segment amplifying girls’ voices and leadership.
From training to community impact
The coaches will now be integrated into schools, clubs and camps, supporting cricket activities and workshops that reinforce inclusion, participation and advocacy. Their progress will be celebrated at a graduation ceremony later in the year, where children who have benefitted from the mentorship will also be recognised.
Innovation on the CPL stage
Beyond the playing field, an Investment and Innovation Forum aligned with the CPL will explore opportunities around sports entrepreneurship, digital transformation and advocacy moments for youth.
UNICEF’s role
From technical expertise in child safeguarding to providing branded materials such as shirts, notebooks and hats, UNICEF’s support ensures that the Rise and Reign Initiative is not just about cricket—but about children’s rights, protection and potential.
By investing in coaches as mentors, advocates and protectors, this initiative is building a future where every child can enjoy the right to play, to learn and to thrive.
