MOEEN ALI (HIGH PERFORMANCE) CRICKET ACADEMY

DEVON CCC has been pleased to support the second year of the Moeen Ali (High Performance) Cricket Academy (Devon) at Bicton College which has just ended.

Young boys and girls, aged 12 to 17, who attended all gained considerably from the high-quality coaching they received.

The course is run in partnership with the M5 Sports Management Group, a not-for-profit organisation that helps youngsters in the community from all backgrounds and cultures to  enhance their lives through cricket.

The management team of Roger Newman (Performance Director), Peter Langford (Administrative Director) and Dave Hooper (Coaching Director) have been delighted with the response from youngsters together with comments from participants, parents, friends, and coaches. 

One comment received from a parent of two of the youngsters and club official read: “A number of our youngsters took part and thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. The quality of coaching has been fantastic and they have all improved their cricket significantly having attended the course.”

The course is now well established and plans are already in place to repeat the programme next winter.

Many thanks are due to Bicton College for hosting the event. The college has proved to be an excellent venue for the programme. The location is ideal and the sports hall is well resourced in terms of nets, equipment and changing facilities. Parents and friends have been welcomed at the sessions, and their support and comments have been appreciated at all times.

The progressive player programme, designed by Hooper, has been well received by the participants. It has covered the three cricket disciplines of batting, bowling and fielding delivered in a player-focused, challenging manner. The cost has been subsidised by the M5 Group to avoid particular applicants not being able to attend owing to financial constraints. 

High-profile guest coaches have supported the management team, who are extremely grateful to all of them for giving their time on a Sunday afternoon for the benefit of the academy members. 

They are Kabir Ali, Yorkshire County Cricket Club Bowling Coach, and cousin of Moeen, former Somerset professional James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Exeter CC, Devon CCC and current Somerset CCC player, Jim Troughton, Surrey County Cricket Club coach together with Devon CCC batsman and captain of its T20 and 50 over sides, James Horler.  Each coach has brought his expertise and experience to the sessions in his own individual way.

The feedback from parents and youngsters has been very positive and those who wish to return next year will be given first priority if, as expected, the number of applications increase and more youngsters wish to enjoy the experience.

All cricket clubs in Devon will be notified of next year’s course later in the summer.

Peter Langford

Course Administrative Director.

March 2024