International Player Visits Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy at Derby College

International cricketer Niall O'Brien has visited Derby College’s Broomfield Hall Campus to run a special coaching session for members of the Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy at the College

Niall plays for Ireland and Leicestershire and recently returned from playing in cricket’s Inter Continental Cup in Zimbabwe.

He said: “I am very impressed with the set up at Derby College.  I did not have these opportunities as a youngster in Ireland but cricket is now the fastest growing sport there and I thoroughly enjoy coaching to bring out the potential in individual players.

“We have worked on a wide range of skills with the Academy members in what has been a highly enjoyable training session.”

The Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy was launched in September 2014 offering a course that is ideal for keen cricketers interested in improving their skills, whilst developing multiple avenues for their future employability within the sports industry.

Derby College students on the new Academy are working towards the BTEC extended diploma in sport (the equivalent of 3 a-levels) over two years.

Alongside their educational studies Academy members are able to access cricket specific courses in coaching, umpiring, scoring and groundsmanship in order to equip them with the skills to contribute to the sport as volunteers and boost their employability skills in sport and leisure.

Academy members receive weekly coaching and training sessions from AFCA appointed coaches to help them develop all aspects of their game, as well as their fitness through regular strength and conditioning training.

They also receive visits and advice from specialist speakers in areas such as fitness and psychology, as well as expert input from past and present internationals, in technical components such as bowling, batting and fielding.

Academy members represent the College in cricket competitions and develop their coaching and leadership skills through work experience placements on the already successful Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academies for kids.

Back to news