Level 1 coaching course in Denmark

The European Development Manager, Ian Stuart, recently visited Denmark for a weekend to view the facilities at various grounds across the country and review Denmark's development plan. First stop was Herning Cricket Club in Jutland, followed by Nyk¯bing Mors Cricket Club, which will host the ECC U17 Tournament later on in the year.

On the Saturday morning Ian flew to Copenhagen to view an U19 training session led by Ole Mortensen (national coach). Guest coach and former Test player, Derek Randall, one of the great characters in cricket, was on hand to offer his experience and knowledge. Derek's personality, commitment and love for the game, combined with his extensive knowledge, held both the U19s and the senior squad spellbound for several hours while he taught basic batting techniques for playing on grass wickets. The main theme for the weekend was how to play spin bowling on a slow turning pitch. Derek talked and demonstrated the technique of the sweep, body weight going into the shot, balance and quick feet, plus the tactical and mental Game Plan for Cricket. On the Sunday he found time to hold a one to one coaching session using the "Bola" bowling Machine to develop the younger players.

During the remainder of his visit, Ian met with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and President of the DCF, along with Simon Talbot, Danish Development Officer, and on Sunday, visited the leading grounds across Copenhagen to conclude a very informative and worthwhile trip.

Derek Randall addresses the Danish senior squad

Meanwhile, European Development Officer, Adam Cole, assisted Simon Talbot on an ECB Level I course in Copenhagen. Adam's professionalism and friendly manner proved an instant success with the Danish candidates, and Danish trainee tutors, Niels Bindslev and Martin S¯rensen, also performed well on their first Level I course, both showing sufficient technical knowledge and teaching skills to advance on to tutor training in the future. According to Simon, this was the easiest course to lead out of the four undertaken so far, due to the high quality of the candidates attending the course, and the professionalism shown by all concerned with its presentation.

The course was a resounding success, as all candidates passed their respective levels of attainment, many achieving a high enough level to undertake Level II, after attending Level II workshops. Three of the participants, from Jutland in the North of Denmark, gained ECB Level I Europe certificates. The Danish Development Officer is very keen to develop cricket in this area, and having three newly qualified coaches will be a huge boost. The course started on Friday evening, continued all day on Saturday and finished on Sunday afternoon - a demanding schedule which both organizers and participants coped well with.