Friday 4th June 2010

BHF Walk - Final Update

On 7^th March this year, the Mini Academy joined in with the BHF walk at Calke Abbey.

There were thirteen of us, the sun was shining and it was a great day for the walk. We all met at the ‘starting line’ at 11am and started the 7 mile walk, which turned into about a 9 mile walk due to Corky’s confused map reading and getting lost!

We had a great time on the walk which went a lot quicker than any of us thought it would and Callum even managed to run out of food!

Before the walk we collected sponsorship money from friends and family who were all very generous. We also collected at nets sessions at the Gateway.

Everyone enjoyed the day, and on a personal note, as it is my first year with the mini academy, I feel that it helped us bond together as a group and get to know one another better.

Taking part in the walk has made me much more aware of the fund raising events that are happening all year round and I certainly recognise the BHF logo now!

We raised a total of £1500, hopefully we will be able to participate next year and raise even more money for a great cause

Rob Peat

Mini Academy

Wednesday 14th April 2010

Mini Academy Fitness Test  

“The DCB Mini Academy players completed the indoor part of their programme on Sat 27^th March when they ‘endured’ their second Fitness Assessment of the programme so far. Luke Storey, Derbyshire’s new Strength and Conditioning Coach, led the players expertly as they ran, jumped, pulled, pushed and threw their way through the morning.

The aim was clear – beat your scores from last time. In the main they mostly achieved this and impressed throughout with their effort, focus and professionalism.

Over the last few months, the 13 players on the Mini Academy Programme have worked hard within a comprehensive programme that has included 1-1 technical sessions, nets & match situations, fielding, individual and group fitness sessions, practical psychology sessions and a variety of performance lifestyle sessions that will help all of them inside and outside of cricket. On top of this the players have really developed their team building skills by completing a British Heart Foundation walk and supporting Ashbourne Cricket Club with their Cricket Force event.

The players now hope to put the skills they learnt into practice as they move into the season and aim to produce ‘big’ performances in their respective matches. They will also continue to train together on a regular basis.” 

CricketForce at Ashbourne CC

On Saturday 27^th March, the Derbyshire Mini Academy helped Ashbourne Cricket Club in the Club CricketForce event. About three weeks before the CricketForce weekend, we began our preparations. We had learnt from our BHF walk the importance of preparation. Mick Glenn from the DCB had given us information on the Club, what jobs we might be asked to do and how long we would be at Ashbourne. After about 30 minutes, we had the day prepared.

Saturday soon arrived and after our Fitness Testing at The County Ground, we were to be at Ashbourne for 1:30. Eventually everyone arrived and we were all equipped with paint brushes, which were going to be vital.

Andy Smith Ashbourne’s Club Chairman, gave us a large painting job to do. So, the 13 of us (Mini Academy) split into two groups to attack the fences which needed painting. We painted for the majority of the time, with a small break in the middle. Most of us managed to keep more paint on the fence rather than ourselves, Callum Brodrick unfortunately found it hard to resist! After 3 hours we had finished the fences, a great team effort by everyone.

The two events that the Mini Academy have done this year have helped us bond as a team, the events wouldn’t work if there was any lack of teamwork. The Mini Academy wish Ashbourne the best of luck for the coming season and we hope that the CricketForce at your club was a success too!    

Michael Mitchell- Member of Mini Academy