The most substantial youth programme is led by the El Rio Foundation, a community-driven charity based near Santa Marta. Through their multi-sport outreach, El Rio has introduced over 600 children to cricket. Today, 30 children (12 girls and 18 boys) train weekly at two dedicated cricket clubs—proof of cricket’s growing popularity and impact in the region.

Colombia’s passion for youth cricket runs deep. As far back as the 1970s, junior cricket was active through the Bogotá Sports Club, which had a mixed junior section that helped build the foundation of the sport in the capital. Over the last two decades, expat-led and local initiatives have sparked youth cricket programmes in Bogotá, Cali, and Barranquilla. While early efforts were often limited by the lack of formal recognition of cricket as a sport, the recent approval from Colombia’s Sports Ministry has opened new doors. Schools across the country now have the opportunity to officially introduce cricket in physical education classes and after-school programmes.