The Devon Cricket Performance Pathway has joined in collaboration with the Somerset and Cornwall Pathways to launch the South West Coaching Programme (SWCP).
The innovative project, which began in November 2023 and is spearheaded by Somerset CCC, is designed to provide a comprehensive development opportunity for Pathway cricket coaches across the South West, beyond the traditional boundaries of the ECB Level Three and Four programmes.
"We really value this interaction with Somerset and Cornwall
to help upskill our coaches."
Andrew Griffiths, Pathway Coaching Lead at Somerset CCC, and the architect behind SWCP, shared the programme’s purpose during the inaugural session.
"Our aim is to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application," he explained. "This will help to create a more deliberate and reflective mindset in coaches. We want them to continually challenge their own thinking and development."
This approach marks a significant shift from conventional coaching methods, focusing on a more holistic development of coaching skills.
Devon Cricket Pathway Manager, Sandy Allen, said: "We've highlighted an area of the game that we could get better in supporting our coaches. We really value this interaction with Somerset and Cornwall to help upskill our coaches, bounce ideas off each other, to learn from and gain expertise."
Matt Drakeley, Head of Talent Pathway at Somerset, emphasised the collaborative nature of the programme. "This was a decision aimed at up-skilling our pool of coaches, which in turn will benefit young cricketers across the South West," he said. "We’re not just looking at the present, but also at the future of cricket in our region."
The programme has already seen several sessions, including online workshops and in-person meetings at the Cooper Associates County Ground which have featured insights from specialists like Danny Newcombe from the Premier League.
The SWCP isn’t just about lectures and discussions. It’s a hands-on programme where coaches get to witness and engage in practical coaching sessions.
Alongside Danny Newcombe’s session on effective practice design, the first in-person workshop saw Andrew Griffiths deliver a live pace bowling session after presenting evidence-informed principles within the skill area. This was immediately followed by Shane Burger’s delivery of batting content.
These sessions are crucial in creating a common coaching language and aligning coaching practices across Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
One of the key goals of the SWCP, as Griffiths points out, is to address the gap in cricket coach development. "Nationally, there’s only so much the ECB can provide. It’s important that we take charge of our own development within our environment. This initiative is not just about improving our current coaching standards, but also about expanding the reach and aligning the programme across the South West."
The programme has been met with enthusiasm and positive uptake from coaches across the counties. "It’s an exciting initiative to be involved in," Griffiths added, highlighting the proactive engagement of coaches in the programme. "The premise is clear: more high-quality coaches will eventually lead to more high-quality cricketers emerging from the region."
Speaking about the programme, Devon Cricket's Assistant Pathway Coach, Paul Heard said: "The programme has been excellent so far. It has been a great opportunity to build relationships with other coaches, as well as discuss relationships that we build with players.
"As Pathway coaches, it is my belief that we should always look to improve as individuals and this is a great opportunity to learn from industry experts and deliver sessions with feedback from peers."
The sessions are designed to be interactive and practical, ensuring coaches can apply what they learn directly to their coaching practices. Griffiths’ role involves check-ins with the coaching cohort, while observing and supporting them as they implement new strategies and techniques.
"We’re really happy with how the programme has started, and it’s great to be involved in something that will develop a higher quantity and quality of coaches and young cricketers across the South West," said Griffiths, reflecting the optimism and forward-thinking approach that the SWCP embodies.
He added: "With a focus on developing a new generation of skilled and reflective cricket coaches, the South West Coaching Programme is not just enhancing coaching standards but is also helping to shape the future of cricket in the region."
