The Cricket Coaches is cricket academy headed by a team of invested cricket coaches who solely envisage themselves as being a motivating force in a child’s passion for cricket.
Started by Jody Martins and Matthew Arnold, the academy based at the Randburg Sports Complex in Malanshof now boasts about 100 children that it coaches and still plans to grow. Martins explained that he has been a coach for the past 20 years. “Some of the children start playing at a young age and seeing them grow both on the pitch and at school is a great thing to see,” said Martins. He further divulged that he has learned to tailor cricket for the specific ages. Making sure to keep cricket for those aged between three and eight years old simple enough to grasp but fun enough to keep them motivated.
One of the coaches at the academy, Alister Zowe said he had been a coach for 11 years. He explained that not all children who play the sport necessarily have a love for the sport from the start. “Some grow into the love of the game through dedication and need to succeed,” said Zowe. One of his many achievements include an advanced Australian Level 2 Coaching Certificate.
Fellow coach, Gareth Sanders said that he became a coach not only for the love of the sport but to also give back to the community. “Seeing life through their perspective is so uplifting, you could be have a horrible day and seeing them could totally change it,” said Sanders.
Chris Loos (14) said that he started cricket when he was eight years just for the fun of it.”I practice for an hour during the week and now I work towards playing my schools first team,” said Loos.
Ethan van Tooren (8) said he started playing when he was five years old. He dreams of one day becoming a veterinarian one day and says he most loves batting, fielding and wicket keeping. “To other children I say give it a try and if you like it then you should keep at it,” said Van Tooren.
Kyle van Rooyen (6) said that he loves bowling and hopes to one day become both a a baker and an inventor. His father, Chris van Rooyen said Kyle has learned patience and working in a team through the sport.
Details: The Cricket Coaches, 079 527 4243.
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