England Cricketer Launches Cricket Academy to Support Stars of the Future – 24/09/13 Having taken over 600 first-class wickets (and still counting) former England and current Yorkshire fast bowler, Ryan Sidebottom, knows a thing or two about the fine art of pace bowling. Add into the mix his well-recognised father, Arnie, a former England and Yorkshire cricketer himself and current Level 3 Coach, they would make a formidable seam attack. Along with a selection of hand-picked expert coaches, the father and son team are aiming to inspire the next generation of cricketers with Ryan’s new venture, the ‘Ryan Sidebottom Cricket Academy’. The Academy has been two years in the planning, and aims to provide a solid background to the sport by utilising the experience both Ryan and Arnie have gained during their many combined years at world-class level, with the ultimate aim of providing the England and Wales national team with future stars to follow in their footsteps. The Academy is open to all children aged 8 to 15 and as well as paid for places, there will be a number of scholarships available for students from across the region from less privileged backgrounds. Specific sessions will cover batting, bowling, wicket-keeping, fielding and general fitness – and whilst the sessions will be hard work, they will also be a lot of fun. Ryan explained, ” Coaching is something that is really close to our hearts as a family. I will be at as many of the sessions as my cricketing schedule allows as I want to see these children develop. To be personally involved in helping to nurture young players with natural talent who may not otherwise have an opportunity, is a great feeling.” Due to the exciting nature of the Academy, it has attracted the support of Yorkshire Tea, sponsor of the England Cricket Team, which plans to invest in three of the scholarships. Yorkshire Tea’s Marketing Manager, Kevin Sinfield, commented, ” We have been involved in grassroots cricket for many years, and the success of The Ashes and local Yorkshire men, Joe Root, Tim Bresnan and Jonny Bairstow, has encouraged more and more youngsters to get involved in the sport. We want to find the best from across the region and give them the helping hand they deserve to become the very best they can be.” Further details about these and other scholarship trials are set to be released next week. The regular Academy sessions start on Monday 7 October 2013 at St Olaves School in York, Thursday 10 October 2013 at Silcoates School in Wakefield and Friday 1 November 2013 at The Grammar School in Leeds, running through until Christmas, and then from January until the summer holidays. For further information on the Academy, contact Kate on 07925 259544, email info@ryansidebottomcricketacademy.co.uk or visit the website www.ryansidebottomcricketacademy.co.uk. {{ak_sharing}}
