Nottingham High School has always played an active role in the local community and has over the past two summers been involved in a scheme which takes cricket coaching into local Primary Schools.
Cricket is not a straight forward, nor a simple sport to coach or play. It requires an investment in much equipment, but also the motivation for someone to deal with the technical intricacies of the game and the vagaries of its laws. As a result, many Primary Schools find it easier to introduce other sports, instead of cricket, such as rounders. The High School has looked to help to change this imbalance, in order to give those children exposure to Cricket who may otherwise be denied. Cricket is an ideal sport in which to instil respect for others, and at the same time develop a competitiveness that is beneficial to all young children.
The scheme has involved three visits to eight different primary schools, for years five and six pupils, across Nottinghamshire, each session lasting between one and a half to two hours. Mr Rose, the school’s cricket professional, has ran these sessions with the aid of members of the 1st XI, many of whom have obtained the UKCC1 coaching award. These coaching sessions are aimed at teaching the key fundamentals of batting, bowling and fielding in preparation for a Kwik Cricket Festival at Valley Road on 16/17th July. This will be a fitting culmination for all the schools, will be evidence of their progress and hopefully spur the children themselves into developing a further interest in the game. Following on from this tournament, potential county prospects will be given coaching in the Sports Hall in September.
During my own coaching session with Mr Rose at Rise Park Junior School, it was evident to me that there was a well of talent and enthusiasm waiting to be tapped into. The children showed a genuine inclination to become more familiar with the game and to improve their skills. What impressed me most was the level of progress that was made by each and every child in the space of one session.
Luke Robinson , 6Me1
