Linley is Making the Most of the Winter

December! The festive season is looming on the horizon and with it bringing a timely reminder that we are only a couple of months away from pre-season already. Many of you will be well into your winter programmes by now – whether related to fitness or rehabilitation, playing or preparing to travel overseas, or attending regular training sessions at your counties.

For many, the winter period is also a window to take advantage of pursuing personal development opportunities. Tim Linley of Surrey CCC is one such individual. The right arm fast/medium paceman took some time out with Performance Lifestyle Advisor, Tristan Coulter, to discuss what he’s been up to, how he’s been using the lifestyle service, and how he plans to spend future winters outside of the boundary ropes.

Tim first contacted Tristan when he was trialling for Surrey during the early part of last season. As with anyone who has experienced this, it was an uncertain time for Tim as to what the future might have in store. “Talking openly with Tristan provided me with considerable support in a number of ways”, Tim described. “We discussed the scenarios open to me, including the possible best and worst case eventualities. At the time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, however, after chatting with Tristan I realised I wanted to keep going in cricket, to get a contract, while also making sure I had a solid contingency plan in place.”

Tim’s perseverance paid off with the reward of a Surrey contract offered at the end of the 2009 season. However, he continues to ensure that he plans appropriately for his future. “I’ve learned from the past that it is vital to use this winter window productively”, Tim said. “It’s too easy for professional players to just say they need to rest during this period and not to take advantage of the time they have off. With the season itself being so busy, it’s often too difficult to commit to other things”, he continued. “Organising your winter for personal development pursuits is therefore crucial.”

Accordingly, Tim has chosen to use this winter productively. “I’ve worked with Tristan on developing my CV and cover letters that has allowed me to get some work experience in a gym for the time being.” This is important for Tim’s future development as he hopes to use this experience as a platform for future work when he heads for Australia in the New Year. “Undergoing this process has also helped me realise that I have many transferable skills desired by alternative employers which gives me many options for the future both at home and abroad”, he continues.

Since the end of the season, Tim has also completed six Coach Development Workshops as he prepares to apply for his Level 3 coaching award. He is also using his time away from cricket to learn to drive. Both of these pursuits have been financially supported through the PCA, something all current and ex-players are entitled to.

Tim believes that pursuing alternative personal development activities has been greatly beneficial to him. Not only has he been able to fill his time productively over the winter period, but having other things going on in his life other than cricket has increased his confidence. “Pursuing other opportunities away from cricket has given me confidence in myself because it adds to my identity that I am not just a cricketer but someone who has much to offer on a wider scale. Also having other career options allows me to really give cricket 100% because I know I have a plan B to fall back on just in case”, Tim said.

He concludes, “Sadly, there are a lot of things in cricket that are out of your control, such as not getting picked or getting injured. Therefore, if this does happen you want to be in a position where other people are going to see your value, rather than just those in and around the game, if you are to maximise your options.”

With the support of the PCA, players such as Tim are able to pursue alternative personal development options. To ensure you are adding to your value, contact the PCA services or alternatively speak to your regional Performance Lifestyle Advisor.

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