E.C.B. Regional Academy players benefit from A.C.E. initiative

The eleven young cricketers who are currently attending the E.C.B. Regional Academy at the County Ground in Taunton are benefiting from Athletic Careers Advice (A.C.E.), a new initiative that originates from Australia.

Regional Academy Director Mark Garaway told me: "The A.C.E. initiative is being funded jointly by Sport England and the E.C.B. and at present three people have been appointed to oversee the programme in the eighteen first class counties and the sixteen E.C.B. certified Academies."

Mark continued: "Martine Woodward from Bath is working on the A.C.E. initiative in our region, which includes Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Worcestershire and ourselves, and she will be here to work with the Academy boys again on this coming Sunday. Martine will be here to consolidate the A.C.E. modules and provide careers and higher education advice to the members of the Academy."

The A.C.E. programme has been running at the Regional Academy at Somerset County Cricket Club since September, and sessions so far have included, time management, personal presentations, media training, outward bound and public speaking. This Sunday's session will focus upon personal image and presentation.

The Academy Director stressed: "We have got to be able to cater for the career needs of the players outside of the game whatever stage they are at in their career. It is equally applicable to an 18 year old as it to a 35 year old who is at the end of his playing career."

Mark concluded: "Currently Martine is spending quite a bit of time with us because the Somerset Regional Academy is now established and up and running."