Youth Academy
"I am very excited by the prospect of the Club having its own academy. We intend to build on our already excellent colts section and take it to the next level"
- Tim Spelling, Club Chairman
"Our aim is to provide quality coaching and practice facilities for cricketers with focus and the desire to maximise their potential. This focus and desire will be matched by the coaching staff. So if you think you have the potential, drive and motivation to improve we want to hear from you!"
- Gareth Fisher
Academy Facts
- A 12-week winter programme will commence on 2nd January 2010 at the Writtle Cricket Centre; we will also have a summer programme with Academy fixtures.
- Groups will be selected at Junior (7-11), Intermediate (12-15) and Senior (16-18) age groups, with a maximum of 12 in each section.
- Applications are invited from all existing colts (boys and girls) and new members wishing to join the club.
- Selected candidates will be invited to trials on Sat 14th November at Writtle from which the final squads will be selected.
- There will be an annual fee of £150 in advance to cover the costs of running the academy.
- Academy members are expected to represent the club in junior and senior matches.
- Gareth Fisher will direct the winter programme assisted by Lorrie Austin and Colin Perkins, with specialist guest coaches.
Joining the Academy
Download and complete the application form (PDF | Word 2007 | Word 2003) and return it to Gareth (gareth.coach@btinternet.com).
NOTE: I recommend anyone using Office / Word 2003 to download and install the Office 2007 Compatibility Pack from Microsoft otherwise Word 2007 files will appear to be ZIP files.
The Coaches
Gareth Fisher
Currently studying an Economics degree at The University of Essex (Second Year)
Playing Profile
- Essex County Age Groups Under 9s - Academy XI
- South of England Training Camps - Under 13s & Under 15s
- MCC School of Merit, 2002 - 2006
- Opening Bowler for Colchester & East Essex CC 1st XI
Coaching Profile
- Currently employed by Essex CCC
- Appointed Coach to Essex County Under 12s Squad for 2009 and 2010 Season
- Appointed Coach to North Essex District Under 13s Squad for 2009 Season
- Appointed Head Coach of Shenfield CC Season 2009 and 2010
- Currently undergoing preparation for his UKCC Level 3 Course
Worked with the following coaches:
- Geoff Arnold (Surrey & England)
- Clive Radley MBE (Middlesex & England)
- Owen Dawkins (Gloucestershire Spin Coach)
- Andrew McGarry (Essex & Suffolk)
- Toby Radford (Middlesex Head Coach)
- Ian Pont (Mavericks Cricket Academy)
- James Foster (James Foster Coaching)
I have a wide variety of experience in playing and coaching, and I believe a modern approach of receiving regular feedback from students and parents is effective in the long run. A two-way communication process is an essential part of my coaching philosophy; and I believe the most important of tool to learning is through fun and enjoyment of the process.
Lorrie Austin
Lorrie has been a member of the Club since 1984 and is a former 1st XI Captain. He passed his first coaching qualification in 1996. He has been involved in coaching ever since.
He is the current Essex U13 Elite team coach and has been involved in the Essex coaching set up since 1999. He is the Assistant Coach of North East Essex U11s and is Manager / Coach of the Clubs U11s side.
He is also the Manager of the London & East of England Regional U16 team.
Currently in the middle of his Level 3 Coaching Qualification he is also the holder of both the new ECB level 2 and the old Advanced Coaching Qualifications.
Lorrie still plays for the Saturday 2nd XI when not coaching and for Essex Over 50s A side.
Colin Perkins
Colin has been with the Club since 1971 and played 1st XI cricket for 25 years. He was joint Captain during the successful 1980s. He also played for Essex Seconds, Essex Over 50s side and the MCC.
He has been involved with the Club's youth section for more than 15 years as a coach and overall manager, including running the Matchplay side during their successful period.
He has been involved with District coaching at various levels, part of the Essex Primary Schools Coaching Project and will oversee the Club's Chance to Shine programme in 2010.
Currently he is an ECB Level 2 coach and holds an NVQ qualification in Sports Psychology. He is the Club Welfare Officer and a Director of the Essex County Cricket Board.
