PCA PRESS RELEASE
Yorkshire seamer has helped develop a sportswear brand alongside being one of the County Championship’s leading bowlers.
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Ben Coad has reiterated the importance of having something to fall back on outside of cricket as he spoke to the Professional Cricketers’ Association about his current venture: DAC Sports.
Founded in 2016 after Ben’s brother Dan spotted a gap in the sportswear market in his local area, DAC Sports is something of a family affair. With the help of Ben and the pair’s father, Ken, Dan runs the company out of Ripon, North Yorkshire, providing high-quality sports clothing tested by the likes of Coad and his Yorkshire teammates.
The 25-year-old describes himself as “the face of the company,” regularly appearing at local cricket clubs, awards nights and more to try and increase DAC Sports’ reach as much as possible. “To be honest, though, my brother does all the hard work,” said the Yorkshire bowler.
Coad is still only 25-years-old and is coming into the prime of his career having already taken 130 wickets in 30 first-class games and has been one of Division One’s standout new-ball bowlers over the past two seasons. Even so, and despite his relatively young age, he still recognises the importance of preparing for the future.
“It’s not all just cricket,” he says, “there is a life away from cricket and there will be life after cricket, so it’s very important to have something to fall back on.”
“Adding strings to your bow is definitely important, it just takes that little bit of pressure off.”
When preparing for life outside of cricket, PCA members will often turn to their designated Player Development Manager (PDM) for assistance. Coad was keen to emphasise the important role that his PDM Matthew Wood has played in helping him and his brother to get started.
“From a very young age Woody’s been with us at the academy. He’s always trying to get you to set something up alongside cricket and we’ve always bounced ideas around to think of something.”
Thankfully for the Coad brothers, DAC Sports has blossomed from an idea into reality, and it looks set to expand further.
“Despite a slow start, the company is coming into its third year now and it’s growing. I know there’s a long way to go but hopefully it will keep thriving.
“I always know Woody’s there to help out if I ever need anything in the future.”
Conversation turns from cricketwear to cricket as Coad looks forward to the remainder of the season. As the Yorkshire man continues his personal development off the field, he’s also aiming to make big strides on it.
In particular, the Harrogate-born man wants to make an impact on the white ball scene, despite having made a name for himself as something of a long format specialist.
“I want to perform this year to put my name forward for The Hundred – I think it’s going to be massive. Obviously that’s where everyone wants to be and I’m going to push as hard as I can to get there.”
Yorkshire’s Vitality Blast campaign gets underway at Emerald Headingley on Friday 19 July. If Coad performs to his full potential during the Vikings’ campaign, he could be the catalyst to claim the first T20 title for the White Rose.
For full details on the PCA’s Personal Development and Welfare Programme click here.
Visit the DAC Sports store here.
