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Switzerland’s Michael George wins “Outstanding Coaching Achievement”
SCA
ICC Europe has recently run its inaugural Coaches Association Awards. The awards are a way of saying thank you to people who have made a significant contribution to the support and development of coaches and coaching in cricket. Country Coaches Associations were invited to nominate one person from their country for each of three categories.
From these nominations the 2009 winners were determined as: Michael George (Switzerland) “Outstanding Contribution & Services to Cricket Coaching”, Richard Askew (Gibraltar) “Outstanding Coaching Achievement” and Kelum Perera (Italy) “Young Coach of the Year”.
The award for ‘Outstanding Coaching Achievement’ is given to coaches who have made a significant difference to shaping the lives of cricketers and cricket programmes in both club and representative cricket. Switzerland’s Michael George is a worthy winner of this award and an example to the many other coaches in the country.
Michael George has raised the profile of cricket and coaching at a local, regional and national level. He has used his enthusiasm, organisational, and coaching skills to develop youth cricket in the Geneva region (currently 60 playing members in the local club (GRYCC), and through coaching courses and contact with parents has helped form other junior clubs.
Apart from some impressive performances by the U17 and U19 teams against Swiss league teams, national teams from Germany and Austria, and clubs sides from the UK and Italy, Michael’s greatest achievement over the last year was with the national U17 team that performed so well in their first ever Division 2 European U17 Championships, finishing ahead of tournament hosts Germany, and Greece.
However, as the most senior and experienced coach in Switzerland, and responsible for the forming of the U17 squad, his greatest personal achievement over the last year was without doubt the fact that the Swiss Under 17 team, in its first outing in the Division 2 European U17 Championships in 2008, was presented with the “Spirit of Cricket” Award. Such an award highlights Michael’s approach to coaching and the spirit he imparts among his players.
Michael George has a genuine and passionate love for the game of cricket. His endless enthusiasm, organisational skills, and coaching abilities have meant that not only in the Geneva region, where he has provided opportunities for children to learn the game, but in the other areas of Switzerland his influence has been felt and much appreciated. In a country that boasts no history or tradition of cricket at junior level what he has achieved in 4-5 short years is truly remarkable.
Michael has the ability and patience to teach varying age groups and make it fun. His outstanding teaching of cricketing skills has meant that the playing standards amongst the junior cricketers have improved dramatically, which is reflected in the improving performances of the U17 and U19 teams in national and international competition.
It is no exaggeration to say that Michael’s dedication and sheer hard work has been instrumental in the development of youth cricket in this country, and there are now players of real talent and potential. After 4-5 years, Switzerland now boasts almost 650 junior players and 38 qualified coaches, and there is no shortage of people wishing to become involved and participate in coaching courses. The results of what Michael’s experience, dedication, and enthusiasm have brought to the now thriving junior Swiss cricket scene are the core reasons why he deserves the recognition for his efforts and the award “Outstanding Coaching Achievement”.
The ICC Europe winners will automatically become Europe’s representatives in the prestigious ECB Sky Sports Coach Awards for 2009, competing against UK County winners for the National ECB Awards. Category winners for “Outstanding Contribution & Services to Cricket Coaching” and “Outstanding Coaching Achievement” will be invited to attend an International Cricket Match in England where they will be hosted for the day, receive specially designed Reward and Recognition clothing and will be presented with their awards during an on pitch presentation. The ICC Europe winner of “Young Coach of the Year” will be invited to attend a coaching day in England.
In addition to the above, winners will receive clothing from the ECB Coaches Association Licensed Clothing and Equipment supplier, Duncan Fearnley Cricket Sale and ICC Europe will present winners with a Coaching Equipment Bag.
Congratulations!
© Swiss Cricket Association
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