Cricket on the syllabus at St Kentigern College

Studying cricket at secondary school? It sounds a sixth form cricket player's delight. But that is what is on offer at Auckland school St Kentigern College next year.

It is the first time players who are looking at a career in cricket will be able to undertake a New Zealand Qualifications Authority approved course of study in cricket at school, before taking their credits on to tertiary levels. International umpire Doug Cowie is a director of the Frontline (New Zealand) St Kentigern College-based venture while the coaching director is Roy Goodyear, a former first-class coach from Zimbabwe and Natal who is coaching at the school.

The course, which opened for applications today, will not be restricted to New Zealand pupils only. Students from international cricket-playing countries will also be accepted. "The unique course will be personalised for those who wish to take advantage of top-level coaching, specialist sport science lessons and the high quality educational environment of Saint Kentigern College," Cowie said.

The school is the only New Zealand college allowed to offer the Level 3 course, Certificate in Cricket. "This is an ideal combination for those who want an early start to a professional cricket career whilst maintaining academic options for school and tertiary study," Cowie said.

Students who take up the course will have a daily mix of four hours classroom schooling and four hours of technical and tactical coaching in a secure cricket focused environment.

"The full course can take two years - however one year options are also arranged. Ongoing opportunities are in place for Frontline (NZ) Academy graduates to secure tertiary study places in Sports Diploma and Degree courses at UNITEC," said Peter Langsford who began the successful Tennis and Golf Academies two years ago. "We take over 50 boys and girls into the Academy from many different countries where tennis and golf are now serious career options for young players with talent and potential."

"Cricket seems a natural extension as first-class facilities are developing at Saint Kentigern College. This year we opened an indoor practice net, there is an extensive gymnasium, both grass and artificial practice and playing pitches, and good relationships with nearby cricket clubs at Howick-Pakuranga and University-St.Heliers."

To celebrate the opening of the Academy, a match will be held on Sunday and Monday between the Auckland Aces squad and the Saint Kentigern College XI. The Mark Richardson Trophy will be presented - Mark is an ex-pupil and New Zealand Test opening batsman.

Local and international cricketers have pledged support and involvement in the Academy programme. These include: Auckland coach, Mark O'Donnell; Aces captain Brooke Walker, Mark Richardson and Matt Horne. Future plans include access and reciprocal exchanges with Academies throughout the cricket world to prepare for a truly international career.

Other unique aspects include - specialist physical training from NZ Sports Academy coach Kerry Hill; video analysis, mentoring for personal development based on research from the New Zealand Centre for Notational Analysis, and mental skill and practice approaches from Lewis McGill.

International agents are being appointed to select and recruit students for the academy in cricket nations throughout the world. Asoka de Silva is taking enrolments in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh while others are in the process of taking up agency contracts.