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Warwickshire CCC Academy Report by Paul Greetham
Following an Induction Day in early November, the new
Academy squad got cracking with their winter preparation
firstly under the direction of Gary Steer, and then in
January under new Elite Cricket Development Manager
Paul Greetham. The WCCC professional coaching staff of
Dougie Brown, Alan Richardson, Tony Frost and
Jim Troughton all assist with the development and coaching
of these young players, such is the importance placed
on their progress. Strength and conditioning support is
delivered by Chris Armstrong and his support staff, whilst
we are hugely indebted to WCCC Physio Gerhard Mostert,
who works tirelessly to keep as many staff and Academy
players fit and ‘on the park’ as possible.
12-14 hours per week of contact time is made available
to the Academy players at Edgbaston during the winter
months, although this is dependent upon where they
school or go to university, some of this is delivered ‘off-site’
with more tailor-made programmes. A player’s holistic
development is crucial, and therefore the WCCC Academy
aims to improve the player technically, tactically, mentally,
physically and also offers significant guidance on personal,
lifestyle and career matters. The winter programme also
allows the players to work on red and white ball skills and
tactics, as the modern game demands an understanding
and technical base in multi-day, one day and t20 formats.
During the summer months, those who are not involved
in fixtures train once a week to maintain fitness and skills
during a heavy matchplay programme at county age group
or 2nd XI level.
Mark Holland (Academy Psychologist) meets players
on a 1-1 basis, but was also very active in observing and
working with players during training this year.
Lynsey Williams (PCA Personal Development an Welfare
Officer) has been on hand throughout the year either
advising players individually on their career in cricket or
beyond, or delivering important workshops and information
relevant to a cricketer’s development, such as drugs/
corruption in the game, or media training.
Finally, many of our Academy players in the 16 to 19
age range complete the Advanced Apprenticeship in
Sporting Excellence, a qualification which complements the
Academy programme, and can contribute towards UCAS
points if a player chooses to move in to Further Education.
Former Derbyshire player and Director of Cricket
Karl Krikken (current Shropshire Head Coach), assesses the
progress of the Apprentices in their understanding of the
demands of professional sport.
The Academy squad of players have achieved a great
deal this season – highlights include:
Liam Banks was awarded the Neal Abberley Trophy for
an outstanding contribution to Warwickshire youth cricket
in 2015. Liam made his second XI debut this season at the
age of 16 in one day and three day cricket, and scored 61
vs Worcestershire. In all age group cricket, he scored 548
runs at an average of 60.89 including two centuries and
97 vs Hampshire in the U17 National Final. Liam played
for the Midlands region in the ECB National Super Fours
competition, with a high score of 86 vs the North. He was
also selected for an Invitational ECB XI to play the MCC at
Lords in September.
The 2014-15 Warwickshire CCC Academy Squad was announced in October 2014 and congratulations to the following
players on achieving Academy status:
Liam Banks
Hem Heath CC
Under 16
Tom Banton
Barnt Green CC
Under 16
Ben Brookes
Knowle and Dorridge CC
Under 18
Oliver Haley
Berkswell CC
Under 19
George Hargrave
Worfield CC
Under 16
Marie Kelly
Moseley CC
Under 19
Matthew Lamb
Barnt Green CC
Under 19
George Panayi
Shrewsbury CC
Under 17
Brinder Phagura
West Bromwich Dartmouth CC
Under 19
Sukhjit (Sunny) Singh
Smethwick CC
Under 19
Michael Waugh
Walmley CC
Under 19
Robert Yates
Moseley CC
Under 15
Tom Banton
Marie Kelly
