Darren Thomas Insurance Settlement

Former Glamorgan, Essex and England player, Darren Thomas, explains how the PCA insurance scheme has helped him

During the 16 years that I played professional cricket, I can remember the PCA coming around the Counties during pre season offering advice and support on various cricketing issues, laws of the game, finances / tax returns and also various insurances.

During 2007, an injury came out of the blue that shortened my cricketing career and a whole new world was suddenly at my front door in that I now had to try and find proper work to support my young family. Fortunately for me, when the injury occurred the PCA and ECB had put into place a Protection Policy through the Group Personal Pension scheme, which supports an injured player with up to half of his final salary for a 2-year period after finishing playing, dependent on your age.

This scheme gave me a chance to find my feet in the business world. During the 2-year period of support, I set up two companies, the first of which was a cricket equipment company and secondly a teamwear business, Probatscricket.com and Probats Teamwear.

Alongside this, the PCA also had another Insurance scheme in place with Jardine Lloyd Thompson, specifically to support players who get career ending injuries. I am pleased to say that recently a settlement for myself has been agreed with the broker.

During the 2-year period after finishing my cricketing career, the PCA was really supportive with both schemes, and I would like to thank Jason Ratcliffe and his support staff for all their help.

For further information on the PCA pension and insurance schemes, visit www.thepca.co.uk/insurance or call Jason Ratcliffe on 07768 558050.

Specialist coaching

Northampton’s wicketkeeper, Niall O’Brien, is now available for coaching sessions.

With bowled dismissals counting for around 20% of all dismissals, being caught behind or stumped is equally valuable at around 17% and wicket keeping is a specialist skill which should not be overlooked.

Niall is a Level 2 coach who is available to provide specialist coaching on both keeping and batting. If you would like further details, please contact Karl Bamford 07968 236346 or Gareth Durnall 07515 905185.

• England Fast Bowling Coach, ECB
• Volunteers, Cricket Without Boundaries

For these jobs and more within sport go to www.thepca.co.uk/job_opportunities