Port Elizabeth Cricket Academy

Introduction

This cricket programme will lift your game to new heights through intensive training and unlimited use of world class facilities, as well as professional training techniques and individual coaching from some of the game's greats, including past international players.

You will also be living and playing in South Africa, one of the world's greatest cricketing nations, allowing you to tackle international cricket while discovering an amazing country full of great travel and awesome adventures.

The Academy

The academy has been developed in conjunction with the Eastern Cape Academy of Sport and, over the past five years, has established itself as one of the leading institutions through which talented cricketers are able to develop to their full potential.

In order to achieve this, a comprehensive programme focussing on the physical, mental and technical aspects required to succeed at provincial and international level has been developed. As far as possible, cricketers of a similar standard are selected to join the programme. This helps to create a balanced squad of players and the ideal platform for people to develop their own game to the next level.

The academy has also provided a training base for many of the world's top cricketers such as Kepler Wessels, Dave Richardson and Mark Boucher, and the Academy continues to welcome more talented players each year, in the hope of seeing them make their own mark on international cricket.

The Programme

The Academy programme is structured into three modules that cover all technical and mental aspects of player development.

Module 1 consists of intensive evaluations, observations and assessments. These include medical and visual screening, psychological profiling, fitness evaluations, detailed video analysis of technique and personal interviews to establish each player’s strengths and weaknesses.
Introductory seminars will also be held to help focus on the importance and need for the correct training methods. Scientific aspects to enhance performance and the development of life skills are also included. These will comprise areas on weight training, stretching, sprinting, warming up and cooling down, the correct method of throwing, and a nutritional curriculum.
The cricket sessions will be aimed at starting an interactive discussion plan with regard to match strategy, net and fielding practices, and match play.

Module 2 sees players working extensively on the technical aspects of their game in ‘grooving’ sessions. Experts in sports psychology will highlight the importance of concentration, goal-setting, self-confidence, arousal control, visualisation and the psychological approach to the game. Module 2 will also focus on fitness and, in particular, strength building, where players will be taken through a weight-training programme.

Module 3 provides the players with the correct preparation to reach their peak performance for any pre-season trials at their home club and/or county. This will be achieved through intensive net and middle practice, as well as competitive matches.

The Coaching

Coaching of a very high standard will be provided on an individual, group and team level. The academy coaches expose players to modern coaching methods, including technical analysis using video equipment. This will form the basis of the coaching programme and includes expert tuition from leading international coaches.

The Facilities

The Academy has outstanding facilities that you will have access to throughout the programme. These include the following:
- Four cricket ovals
- Four artificial turf practice nets
- Fourteen turf practice nets
- Club house
- Indoor facilities in poor weather

Scientific Support

A highly qualified team consisting of sports scientists from the Department of Human Movement Science and physiotherapists will support the coaching programme. Their syllabus will consist of:
- Scientific testing to maintain fitness and prevent injuries
- The development of a sound mental approach to the game
- Self and group dynamics and self empowerment

Travel and Adventure

Although the programme's main focus is developing your sporting talent, we believe that each player should experience what else South Africa really has to offer. This gives players a much greater understanding of the country and, most importantly, brings the team together as a solid group of friends. And, with so many adventurous activities on offer, South Africa certainly isn't short of things to do!
All players will be able to enjoy the following activities and excursions as part of the programme:
- Visit to the Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve
- Visit to the Seaview Lion Park
- Trip to the world's highest bungee jump
- Visit to the surfing Mecca of the world - Jeffrey's Bay
- Authentic evening meal under the stars at a Boma

Port Elizabeth is a hot-spot for travellers worldwide and with its abundance and variety of exciting activities there is no wonder why. You will be able to experience all the delights of the local area, including the game reserves, its renowned scuba schools and friendly nightlife, as well as its 40km of golden beaches which include Nelson Mandela Bay. There is a whole variety of extreme sports and adventurous activities for you to try out - if you can muster up the courage!

These include:
Mountain biking, camping, shark diving, bungee jumping, 4x4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, boogey boards, deep sea cruises, tennis, squash, kayaking, badminton, water skiing, coastal hiking, power kiting and more!

Time will also be available for you to travel around Southern Africa, and beyond. Head west to Cape Town and the legendary Table Mountain, or veer north to Namibia, and the deadly skeleton coast. Our in-country staff will be able to advise on safe ways to travel and will be only too happy to suggest some of the best sights to see in Southern Africa.

Accommodation

The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away. All transfers between the accommodation and training grounds are also included.