PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME DELIVERS ONCE AGAIN

Date: 8th March 2015

44 young players getting the benefit.

As the 2015 season draws ever nearer the Med Imaging Liverpool and District Cricket Competition Player Development Programme is coming to its close. 44 youngsters from 27 clubs are taking part in the 10 week programme at St Margaret's cricket centre in Liverpool.

The initiative, begun a number of years ago by the then Competition Chairman Ted Williams, has been developed and extended and now provides each individual with 20 hours quality coaching delivered by a group of Level 3 coaches. This year there are two delivery groups covering the ages of under 13 to 15 and under 16 to 18. The programme includes technical skills, fitness and conditioning; match awareness, game scenarios and physical development.

The course, with a cost of just under £5000 is primarily funded out of fines paid by the Competition Clubs as well as a small nominal payment from clubs in respect of each individual in order to ensure commitment to the programme.

Steve Critchley, Programme Leader and Head Coach, believes the success of the programme is partly due to the length of time that coaches are able to spend with individuals and small groups of players, as well as the quality of the coaches available, Mark Aspin, Chris Chambers, Chris Highton and Sam Holt. “All of the lads seem to have enjoyed it” he said. “As in previous years the standard, particularly in the senior group, is very high and a good number of these lads will no doubt be selected for our League Representative sides in the summer”.

Picture shows some members of the senior group.