Institute boost for junior coaches

NICHOLS Point and Mildura Settlers cricket clubs are engaging with outside sources as they look to continue to develop their junior programs.

The clubs have partnered with the Australian Cricket Institute (ACI) as part of the organisation’s coach assist program.

Nichols Point president Karl Ferguson, who was elected to the role at the club’s annual general meeting this week, said the partnership was a “great opportunity” for the club.

“Certainly to help develop our coaches and help develop our future stars at Nichols Point,” he said.

“I just think it’s something to be very proud of as a club. There’s been limited people in partnership with the ACI. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity and certainly the club has done well to implement it.”

Ferguson said his club’s partnership came on the back of contact between the ACI and outgoing club vice-president Dan Holy.

“He’s been very instrumental and done a lot of the negotiations in relation to it,” Ferguson said.

The program will assist those who have never coached before to the most experienced coach, to create a culture of ongoing development for everyone.

It is aimed to improve the development of junior players by giving volunteer coaches the skills to provide quality junior training for those under their watch.

The partnership includes weekly programs created for junior coaches to follow, including wet weather programs, that are accessible on a phone or through a computer, step-by-step coaching sessions with video examples, ongoing coach education and regular online support from ACI coach mentors.

Benefits for the club’s juniors include access to the ACI Online Academy for 12 months, training courses and resources, savings on cricket products through ACI partner discounts and live question-and-answer sessions with professional players, coaches and industry experts.