Trio reveal positive experiences of Foundation One course
Cricket Shropshire has been encouraging Women and Girls to become more involved in the game in the county – including in coaching.
A Women’s ECB Foundation One Coaching Course was planned early in 2020 and the places filled up quickly – only to be scuppered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
But we did manage to stage a course later in the year, and although it was disrupted slightly by the November lockdown, it did prove a big success.
Look out for more coaching courses this year, there is a Foundation One course arranged for April SEE HERE..
Cricket Shropshire is also looking at staging a Women Only Foundation One course at some stage during 2021.
Here are the thoughts of three women who took part in the course during the Autumn.
Lou Smith - Forton Cricket Club
“I have been involved with cricket as a parent for about five years and assisting club coaches with junior coaching for the last couple of years, so last year I decided to go for it and take my ECB Foundation Level coaching course which I achieved in between lockdowns!
“I heard about the course through the SCB team and their social media and have to compliment them on the whole process from my expression of interest, pre-course material, joining instructions through to attending the course, receiving my coaching badge and the support since!
“Coaching courses can appear a daunting prospect when too much is unknown but safe to say that the SCB team and the coaching development team that supported me through the course were both knowledgeable, experienced and inspiring.
“Being a coach no matter what the level is so rewarding when getting kids actively engaged in sports in a safe and fun environment.
"My initial goals on qualifying were to use my new skills engaging with my club, Forton, and agree my role in the coaching team, to approach the SCB coaching team to see where and how I could get involved and finally to take my next level of coaching.
“Happy to say that I have a key role with Forton with the younger age groups and Ladies Softball coaching for the coming season. Before lockdown I was about to support the SCB Girls Coaching team as a volunteer and I am currently working towards my Level Two qualification!
“This girl can! Love this saying because today, even more so than yesterday being a woman in cricket is not even a thing, cricket is a sport for all and there are many opportunities to get involved so I highly recommend you go for it and see what is out there for you today and you might surprise yourself!”
Zee Kaji – Madeley CC
“At the end of last year, I took part in a Foundation One course for cricket coaching. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into as I had never done anything like this before.
“I wasn't sure if my fitness would be up to it and was worried whether there would be any other females participating on the course.
“I was very surprised to see a number of ages there, ranging from teenagers to retirement, with different levels of cricketing skills.
“I immediately felt at ease and all of the ladies were very friendly and helpful. We also had a female coach which made me feel more comfortable.
“The course itself was very relaxed and was explained thoroughly by the coaches. Some areas were physically demanding and kept me on my toes, but nothing I couldn't handle.
“The course highlighted areas of my fitness that I need to work on in future if I wanted to pursue the coaching career.
“All together it was a great experience and I would recommend it to any ladies who have thought about a career in coaching to definitely take that step.
“I didn't think about coaching until the idea was planted in my head by my fellow Madeley team members and coaches.
"When I was young I thought about becoming a PE teacher, but I was unable to pursue that career path, so when this opportunity fell into my lap I grabbed it with both hands.
“It has made me think about the future of cricket in the local area and how I can help young girls view cricket as a future prospect and career choice and looking at our next group of England stars.
“Once I complete the courses that I need to, I would love to help young ladies of secondary school age and to help the future of women's cricket.
"That’s something I never had the opportunity to do before as there wasn't much available in the way of girls and women's cricket at the time. I hope to make a big contribution for our next generation of girls coming into the cricket scene.”
Becki White – Madeley CC
“Taking part in the Level 1 Coaching course was completely out of my comfort zone and I was a little nervous about it.
“However, the coaches were really supportive, and it was an amazing opportunity to develop my playing and coaching skills.
"It was great to meet other people and share our experiences, and I was so happy to have completed it!
“I'm really passionate about the Ladies' game, and it's great to see how much it has expanded and developed over the last few years. It’s really important that there are a growing number of female coaches at local clubs to continue to encourage girls and ladies to play cricket.
“I'm looking forward to getting involved when we are allowed again; it's shaping up to be a really exciting summer for Ladies' cricket!”