Our Team

Founder: Michael Ballantyne

It's the best timing to learn cricket in Japan as it will be an official game at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

Ohtani Senshu practices baseball by also playing Cricket. He said, “It helps him to improve his game when he's not playing so well.” (https://sports.yahoo.com/run-multihit-games-shohei-ohtanis-225438758.html)

Mike believes Japanese children would love cricket because cricket is a fun game that requires perfecting batting, bowling and fielding techniques. Moreover, the rules of cricket are the most complicated of all bat and ball games.

Japanese people enjoy perfecting tricky sports!

Michael's thoughts:

“I would like to create a junior cricket league in Japan and help children to develop the essential skills to go and play any sport”.

“By enjoying sport early in life, kids will enjoy school more and achieve better grades by being happier more confident people and students. They will enjoy sport all throughout their lives”.

Profile:

• British National, residing in JPN > 15 years
• Qualified International Cricket Coach to Children
• General Manager of Global Foot & Ankle Orthopedic implants company
• Played cricket in the UK and Japan for 40 years
• Practices Karate with his daughter
• Speaks Japanese

Supporter: Kumiyo Ballantyne

Profile:

• Born and grew up in Hyogo
• Lived in the U.S. for 8 years for school and work
• Hobbies: Calligraphy, Mountaineering
• Attended famous cricket games - The Ashes in Australia and England
• Beginner of cricket

“I see how enjoyable cricket is overseas, and want to see Japanese children enjoy playing a new sport.”