The 15 members of the newly formed Cricket West Indies (CWI) Developing Players Academy are now accredited cricket coaches.
In a media release, CWI Media stated that all players have completed the CWI Foundation Training and Competition Training (Level 1) accreditation courses.
He added that CWI Development Manager Chris Brabazon and CWI High Performance Manager Graeme West guided the players through the assessments.
CWI stated that the training programs form a critical component of the academy camp currently taking place in Antigua.
CWI launched the Emerging Players Academy in March and announced the first intake of players in early July.
Three Trinidad and Tobago players were included in the Academy: Keagan Simmons, Joshua James and Leonardo Julien.
Simmons said he was pleased to be a part of the coaches’ education process.
“Now we have a better understanding of more aspects of the game, and that’s exactly what we carry over into training. Also, we have a greater understanding of what coaches hope to implement. We can now share knowledge in our communities and have developed better ways of working on our game,” said the Trinidad and Tobago opener.
Simmons said players now look forward to sharing their knowledge and newly acquired skills in their communities and territories.
“This is something we have discussed and will look to implement. Overall, our time here so far has been amazing, as we have also focused on many things off the pitch. The attention to detail has been great and we really appreciate it Every day has been a learning experience,” he added.
Brabazon praised the players’ attitude as they progressed through the training courses.
“We have some fantastic young role models amongst this group and going forward we hope they feel well prepared to deliver some quality sessions to future young people,” he said.
“The long-term goal is for these players to develop their coaching skills throughout their playing careers in preparation for a smooth transition into full-time coaching or talent development roles after they finish playing,” added Brabazon.
CWI stated that incorporating coaching into the camp schedule would provide players with a “greater understanding and appreciation of the role of a coach, while also providing players with the practical skills needed to deliver quality training sessions.”
As part of their involvement with the CWI Emerging Players Academy, the players will be involved in delivering grassroots cricket programs in their communities.
CWI says the community projects will provide players with opportunities to use their coaching skills and inspire the next generation of players.
FULL Squad: Kevlon Anderson, Keagan Simmons, Kirk McKenzie, Kevin Wickham, Teddy Bishop, Ackeem Auguste, Ramon Simmonds, McKenny Clarke, Johann Layne, Kelvin Pitman, Ashmead Nedd, Joshua Bishop, Nyeem Young, Joshuali James, Leonardo.
