Vocation, Vocation, Vocation – 23/11/2006 On Monday 27th November, in the Writing Room, Lord’s Cricket Ground, The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), the representative body for past, present and future first class cricketers in England and Wales, launches the latest module of its Personal Development Programme (PDP) with a property management course led by Phil Spencer from Channel 4’s successful show Location, Location, Location. The PDP runs throughout the year and is under pinned by the Performance Lifestyle Programme, a jointly run initiative between the PCA & England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The property management course will focus on three key areas: mortgages; purchasing both at home and abroad; and investment in buy-to-let properties. Jason Ratcliffe, PCA director of player services, said: ” The programme’s aim is to improve the playing performance of cricketers by easing and minimising potential distractions during their career. It’s also key to helping players better prepare for life after cricket.” The Performance Lifestyle programme employs six full time advisers who cover every County academy and all professional playing staff. Further information can be found at: https://www.thepca.co.uk/performance_lifestyle.html Keith Piper, a past player and now Warwickshire 2nd XI coach, commented: ” The courses are fantastic for players’ overall development, which is equally as important as the gym and the nets. As a coach I want to be pro-active in pushing players to develop in all areas. Research proves it can enhance performance in competition, which is the ultimate aim.” Nottinghamshire cricketer Jason Gallian said: ” The courses are of real benefit. I hadn’t considered some of them as areas of interest, but going along has opened my eyes to subjects I knew nothing about. More than anything, I really enjoyed learning new skills that I know will help me now and in the future” –. The current programme includes courses in: selling skills; negotiations and influencing; IT; CV and interview techniques; sports marketing; time management; media and commentary; public speaking; DIY skills; ‘set up in business’; and sports journalism. All courses are fully funded by the PCA and are open to all past, present and future professional cricketers. Players attending on the 27th include – Jon Batty, Phil Simmons, John Francis, Phil Bainbridge, Gerard Brophy, Chris Taylor, Stephen Moore, Ricky Anderson and Martin Gerrard.
