AJ Newsletter July 2017
July’s Cricket News
It has been a busy fun-filled month as the cricket season draws to a close. AJ Coaching Cricket Academy had a real treat on the 1st of July when Simon Jones visited us and thrilled adults and children alike with his bowling masterclass. He spent a magical couple of hours with the children showing them how to bowl, regaling them with stories of his experiences and even encouraging some of the bravehearts to face him with the bat! For those of you who were there, I’m sure you would agree that this was a hugely successful day.
As I reflect on the year that we have had – the community spirit is what has really grabbed me this season. Attracting legends like Simon Jones to talk to our aspiring young cricketers about his journey helps us to get our message out to the wider audience; cricket is more than just a game.
The hunt is well and truly underway for a clubhouse with a regular ground. Merton Council is going through change at the moment and the process is very slow. However, we are also exploring alternative routes. I recently enjoyed a productive meeting with the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Marsie Skeete who fortunately is a huge cricket fan and has promised to investigate our preferences further. We have also had Matt Dwyer, Director of Participation and Growth at The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) visit us at Dundonald a couple of times. He too has been very impressed with the work that we are currently doing for children in the community.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Colley Crawford who rallied a team of volunteers to improve the facilities at Drax where our local cricket nets are. As you can see from the pictures a team of volunteers have come together and helped to clear away the area of dangerous stones before putting down new matting. Temperatures reached nearly 30 degrees one Thursday but a wonderful team of Dads came together and worked hard to clear the area. It was a welcome relief to be refueled with a Signal or two. Thank you Charlie Luckin! However, there is still a lot of work to do and I will update you on the progress soon.
Once again I would like to thank my team of volunteers for making this year so successful. I could not have done it without the help of, Neelesh, Tom, Simon, Adam, Rebecca, Rachel, Meera, Guy, Scott, Toby, Adam, Colley and also all my team of dedicated coaches, Mark, Pranab, Paul, Waseeq, Ray, Gary, Sam, George, Tim, Alec, Ollie and Ben. Without their help with the running of the matches and organization, the rewards that we have seen as a club would not have happened.
Of course I would be delighted to start next season with the same team but naturally I recognize that the club will evolve and that change is inevitable as the children develop and move age groups. With that in mind, If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in helping with the future success of the club, please do contact me (umpiring, scoring, lobbying, etc).
T20 at the Oval
Most importantly, I would like to congratulate all the boys. What a season and amazing achievement we have had in every single age group. Well done boys! Keep playing cricket, you have all come along way and every single one of you should be proud of what you have achieved. To end the season, we will be holding a “Family Fun Dads Cricket Match” and end of season awards on Saturday 9th September at Dundonald Park from 12:30pm. It would be lovely to see all of you there.
Finally, a big thank you to all the parents; if we can continue to inspire and motivate our youngsters to take up cricket at an early age it can only have a positive impact on our children’s sense of well- being, their values and the contribution they make to society in future.
U8s at Esher cricket club.
July’s Highlights:
U8s: 3 league games played won 1 lost 2
U9s: 3 league games played won 2 lost 1
U9s: friendly v Wimbledon was abandoned due to bad weather!
U11s: 4 league games played won 2 lost 2
U9 players going through Surrey trials in 2017
Final League Standings:
U8s finished in 2nd place on 20 points after 7 games.
U9s finished in 2nd place on 28 points after 10 games.
U11s finished in 6th place on 20 points after 10 games.
U11s team at Dulwich cricket club.
Reminders:
Final Summer camp is taking place next week at Dundonald Park.
Dates & timings: Monday 31st July – Thursday 3rd August (8.30am-1.30pm)
https://www.ajcoaching.co.uk/camp-2017
AJ Coaching Cricket Academy awards will be held on Saturday 9th September at Dundonald Park at 12pm.
AJ Coaching Cricket Winter cricket course starts on Saturday 30th September at Richard Challoner School.
Dates & Timings:
30th September – 9th of December
8-10am 1:1 coaching sessions £550 / 10 sessions
10-11.30am U8s groups session £170 / 10 sessions
11.30am – 1pm U9-12 group session £170 / 10 sessions
Please book and pay online on https://www.ajcoaching.co.uk/winter-cricket/