At the Cricket Academy, you’ll be coached by Glamorgan CCC professionals Alan Jones and Mike O’Brien who will focus on the physical, technical and psychological aspects of the game. Training will take place at a variety of local facilities including Neath Indoor School, Glamorgan Health and Racquet Club, Gorseinon Cricket Club and Swansea University Sports Village.
A student’s journey through the programme will be adapted to suit their individual needs.
As with the other Sport Academies, academic study remains a focus, with cricket skills development and training being incorporated into the timetable in a way that will suit you best.
Compete to win
Students at the Academy will be able to compete across the country within different tournaments - an excellent way to meet new people, visit new places, test out your skills and stretch your competitive muscle!
Here’s an idea of what’s included in a year’s scheduled competition activity at the Gower College Swansea Cricket Academy:
- Loughborough University Elite Colleges tournament
- Christ College Brecon T20 invitational tournament
- Two-day fixture against a Welsh select X1
- Regular fixtures against public schools sides such as Monmouth School
- BCS Sports T20 Cup
If you’re already part of a club, players at the Academy can remain with their club and still be eligible to represent the College.
Become a first class cricketer
The Academy has developed a number of players over the years, many of whom have moved on to playing first-class cricket and representative cricket, including Scott Phillips who now plays for Gloucester CCC, Glamorgan Second XI and Wales Minor Counties:
“The Academy gave me a good taste of what commitments are involved and expected from me to become a professional cricketer. The gym sessions, psychology , nutrition nets and one to one sessions each week helped me improve on all aspects of my cricket and I think I took a lot from it.”
Academy students regularly gain places at top-level universities to study for a career in sports coaching, the fitness industry or education whilst also being able to play first class cricket. Rhodri Evans is at Loughborough University, and plays for Loughborough MCCU 1st XI and Glamorgan 2nd XI:
“The College Cricket Academy most certainly helped my game improve in all aspects. The standard of coaching in terms of strength and conditioning, technical and tactical aspects of cricket was very high. What impressed me the most about the programme were the facilities on offer to students including indoor nets, fielding area, gym and access to a swimming pool. It was the perfect stepping stone for me going on to Loughborough University.”
Focus on coaches
Mike O’Brien, Director of Cricket
Bio: Mike is an Accredited Performance Psychologist with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. As well as working for the Academy, he works closely with Glamorgan CCC to deliver sport science support and guidance to players.
Experience: Mike has many years of experience in his field, as well as coaching and playing experience. He has worked with the Academy since 2000.
Alan Jones, Head Coach
Bio: Alan has coaching experience working both with Glamorgan and for Wales, he is internationally recognised for his contribution to cricket Experience: Alan was a professional cricket player for 22 years. His achievements include scoring over 36,000 first class runs and being named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1978. He brings all of his expertise and knowledge to Gower College Swansea.
Students who wish to gain knowledge of coaching are given the opportunity to develop their skills by coaching pupils in local primary schools - a great way to gain confidence, teach others and maintain the legacy of the sport. The Academy also enjoys great working relationships with local clubs at Premier League status, as well as county clubs like Glamorgan, Northants and Worcestershire. Students will often be called up to trial with professional teams. Even further afield, international tours will take you across the globe, with future Academy tours currently being planned to Spain, the West Indies and Dubai.
To learn more about the Cricket Academy contact:
01792 284000
academy@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk
mike.obrien@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk