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AJ Newsletter June 2018

AJ Coaching June’s Newsletter

June has been a momentous month for the club. With the league and Cup matches in full flow – we have witnessed some amazing matches from the children at the club. The AJ Coaching Cricket Academy U12s have reached the semi-finals of the NEC cup and they are joint top with 24 points.  Huge congratulations to them. The hard work of our young cricketers is evident. Not only that but the U10s have won the league with a match in hand plus they have reached the final of the NEC cup after beating Dulwich in the semi final. A very exciting month it has been indeed.

Some have asked me about AJCCA selection policy for league matches so I will explain.

Each age group play competitive matches for which the relevant coaches work together to select an appropriate team. This is based on our knowledge of the skills, focus, discipline and confidence of our players, as well as the opposition. It is not in anyone’s interest to have a mismatched game. We want to encourage junior players of all abilities in and play recreational as well as competitive cricket. We love to see players develop and progress and every child is on this cricket journey when they join us. Your children are joining AJCCA for the outstanding and dedicated coaching rather than a guarantee of being included in league fixtures only.

I place a lot of emphasis on children learning the basics well, and that involves drills. Playing games is part of the learning experience but essentially your children are joining AJ Coaching Cricket Academy for outstanding coaching. That said, I aim to ensure that match practice and coaching go hand in hand throughout the season and my aim is to schedule more friendlies to provide as many opportunities as possible for the emerging talent.

This year, we have seen successes so far achieved by playing different squads in the NEC for the cup, league and friendlies. This is a testament to the depth and strength of all the squads.
For example, the U10s currently have 24 members in their squad and 20 of them have had the opportunity to play in league matches.

It is important once again, for me to stress that the teams for league games are picked on merit. The selection for friendlies is intended to provide playing opportunities for as many of the age groups as possible.

I want to keep encouraging your children to play the game with a smile on their face and support their failures and successes during training and during matches.

Ultimately, we want to empower, motivate and encourage our young cricketers to enjoy the game and play to the best of their ability. We will evaluate their development clearly and objectively and give them space to grow. We take a tailored approach to providing the appropriate support for your child and I would like to acknowledge the immense value that our volunteer managers and coaches bring to the table in terms of nurturing and upskilling our young cricketers. We simply could not do it without them. Thank you.

Finally, let me assure you that over the course of  our child’s continued membership of the club, he or she will have complete access to the wealth of opportunity and coaching experience that exists within the club.

U5s enjoying the session with Mark

June Highlights:


U12 played 6 won 5 including the cup quarter final against Banstead.
At the moment they are top of the league with 2 games to go.

U10 played 7 league games and won 7. Won the league with one game to spare.
Last league game on 16th July vs Old Whitgiftians.
Cup final on Monday 27th August on Finals day.

U9 played 5 league games and lost 3. Won the last two games!


U8 played 5 league games, won 3 and lost 2. 


Friendly matches: Played 5 won 4 and lost 1.
U10 v Bank of England on 2nd June
U11 v Old Ruts on 11th June
U8 v Spencer on 9th June
U9 v Spencer 16th June
U8 v Old Ruts 30th June

Additional Information

Article in Time and Leisure
https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=3c2f0dda-ae80-4813-b42e-6b0020d1e8fe&pnum=56

Summer cricket camps 2018: 
at Dundonald Recreation Ground from 8.30 am – 1.30 pm
https://www.ajcoaching.co.uk/camps-2018/

Winter coaching 2018
Saturday 29th September – Saturday 8th December 2018
https://www.ajcoaching.co.uk/winter-cricket/