Developing cricket's future

ICC EAP 2007 Advanced Coaching & Development Seminar © ICC

The ICC East Asia - Pacific (EAP) Advanced Coaching and Development Seminar commenced today in Melbourne.

While the majority of the cricket world is focused on the West Indies, the ICC EAP Development Program is continuing the journey to take cricket 'beyond traditional boundaries' and into the developing countries of East Asia and the Pacific Islands.

The seminar is designed to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver the ICC Introduction to Cricket Course in their home country. The seminar underpins indigenous coach development and helps build a sustainable framework.

The seminar will conclude with the EAP participants travelling to Glen Eira English Language School where they will assist with cricket activities as part of Cricket Victoria's 'Play Cricket' Program. Designed to find Australia's answer to Monty Panesar, the EAP coaches will assist 'OzChild Cricket Victoria Sports Development Program' students who have been coordinating the new program. This will be a highlight for the Coaches as they will be able to practice skills that they will learn this week.

"The bi-annual seminar is a key component in the cricket development process in the EAP region," commented ICC EAP Development Officer Ben Oliver. "It brings together teachers, coaches and development staff from a range of countries to increase their capacity to significantly influence the direction of cricket within their local communities."

"With over 25,000 cricket participants throughout the EAP region the need for quality coaching has never been greater," continued Mr. Oliver. "The game is growing and good coaching is an important part of this evolution."

Participants will access some of Australia's leading coaches with ICC, Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria and Victorian Institute of Sport staff delivering presentations throughout the seminar.

Participants will also have the opportunity to join in on exciting local activities including the 'CricKids Australia's Biggest Cricket Game'. The Cricket Australia Harmony Day initiative will see over 116,000 students and teachers from 700 schools across Australia playing fun, informal cricket on Wednesday 21 March.

The EAP participants will join Cricket Australia staff for a 'harmony match' on the hallowed turf of the MCG to help celebrate the unique event.

Listed below are the EAP country representatives participating in the Seminar:

Ruta Tare (Cook Islands)
Walesi Soqoiwasa (Fiji)
Seci Tuwai (Fiji)
Yosuke Hatanaka (Japan)
Yuma Shimuza (Japan)
Shizuka Sato (Japan)
Seura Loa (PNG)
Ralavu Rai (PNG)
Semi Halanukonuka (Tonga)
Viliami Tupouniua (Tonga)
Christina Enock (Vanuatu)
George Simon (Vanuatu)

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