Cricket contributed significantly to the formation of the Harvard Club. The founding members, who constituted the original membership and the first cricket team, had previously played in the Bonanza League as part of the Bonanza Stores Cricket Team. However, by 1943, the management decided to withdraw the team from the league upon discovering that many players were not employees of the store. Two senior employees, Herman Ward and Alberto Valdez, advocated for the team. They negotiated with management to transfer the cricket equipment and grounds to the players, enabling them to continue competing in the league under their own name. With management’s consent, the players convened a meeting to establish their new organization.

At this meeting, the Club was officially formed. After extensive discussions, the group faced the decision of selecting a name. Tico Mosca, working with Americans in Trinidad during the war years, suggested moving away from English names like Oxford, Cambridge, Yorkshire, and Essex. Names such as Yale and Howard were considered but ultimately rejected. Finally, the group agreed on naming the club “The Harvard Club”.

Over the past 80 plus years, The Harvard Club has significantly influenced Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting and social landscape. Through its focus on sport, culture, and service, the Club has developed notable athletes. Its sporting clinics, particularly the cricket clinic, have ensured ongoing talent development for future generations, supporting the Club’s sustainability and influence.

The Harvard Cricket Coaching Clinic has been instrumental in developing young athletes. Its goal is to contribute to nation-building by introducing the youth of Trinidad and Tobago to sportsmanship and teamwork values. The Clinic aims to:

• Develop each participant’s talents to their full potential;
• Foster healthy attitudes toward competition;
• Instil individual responsibility for the team’s performance; and
• Promote respect for rules, authority, and self-discipline.

Founded in 1965 with 53 members and guided by five former sportsmen—Trevor “Burnt Boots” Smith (the initiator), Hugo Day, Carlton Dore, Lennard Kirton, and Kenny Roberts—the Clinic grew rapidly. It reached peak attendance of around 300 in the mid-1970s and averaged 250 participants through the 1980s. Although participation dipped to about 160 in the early 1990s, it surged to 290 in 1993 following Brian Lara’s innings against Australia, which renewed interest and participation.

Currently, the Clinic is led by a Cricket Administrator and supported by dedicated staff, including former youth captains of Trinidad and Tobago cricket teams. The Harvard Club continues its dedication to excellence and community, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.