Floodlit game, J·vea Photo © ECC

The EDO visited Spain to view the proposed facilities for the European Academy and to watch Spanish teachers taking part in the first teachers' training course for cricket.

The towns of Alfaz de Pi, J·vea and Benissa have, over the years, all played a major role in developing Spanish cricket, and could now play a part in the European Academy.

Teacher training initiative, Casa de Culturas, Alfaz del Pi Photo © ECC

Indoor and outdoor facilities, accommodation, and other amenities such as swimming pools and gyms were all viewed by the EDO during his trip. The weather over the five days was fantastic and made the visit even more enjoyable and productive.

Sporting Alfaz Cricket Club played host to a touring team from England so the EDO even had the chance to view a cricket match and watch Spanish juniors take part.

Match at Sporting Alfaz CC Photo © ECC

Over the weekend 34 PE teachers came from all over Spain to Alfaz de Pi to be put through their paces by Jaime Molinas and Juan Carlos. The course was conducted in Spanish and pitched at the introductory level.

The response was fantastic and by the end of the course the teachers were keen to take Kwik cricket sets and other resources back to their schools.

Credit must go to Jaime and Juan who made the course enjoyable and had produced a Spanish coaching booklet for all participants. More courses like these will be run in the future, which should help the AEC produce more and more indigenous Spanish cricketers.