Changes to boys' player pathway explained

A new structure for the Sussex Cricket boys’ player pathway has been introduced following a comprehensive review of the system by academy director, Richard Halsall.

The changes see a significant increase in the number of players on the pathway, the retention of players in the pathway for longer, increased resources for coaching and data analysis and closer collaboration between the various parties involved in a player’s development.

In line with Sussex Cricket’s wider strategy, the aim of the overhaul is to produce an oversupply of both home-grown, potential first-class cricketers and outstanding recreational players who take pride in and have a passion for Sussex Cricket.

From 2019, there will be two teams at each age-group between under-13 and under-18, meaning that the number of players on the programme will increase to over 500 and that more players will remain involved in the programme for longer.

Two new dedicated coaches have been appointed to focus on specific stages of the pathway. Tim van Noort is responsible for the under-9 to under-12 age groups and Phil Hudson is in charge of the under-13 to under-16 age groups. Both will report directly into Halsall who, alongside overall responsibility for the pathway, will lead the under-17 to under under-19 programmes.

                                               Tim van Noort & Phil Hudson

A bespoke data capture and analysis application has been developed that allows video capture and tagging of all pathway training and the instant sharing of the data collected with all those involved with the development of a player, be it Sussex Cricket coaches, ECB regional talent managers, school coaches, club coaches or parents.

This is a central part of the plan to increase cooperation between the multiple parties that contribute towards a player’s progress and will underpin consistent, evidence-based decision making.

The new structure also places significant emphasis on instilling the approach and work ethic expected of a Sussex cricketer. Players will take significant responsibility for both their development and that of others on the pathway, with older players aiding with the coaching of younger players.

Commenting on the changes, Halsall said: “The talent identification, coaching, communication and selection on our pathway have been driven by excellent people who have delivered a good programme, but if the programme is to be genuinely excellent and cater for towards 800 boys, the structures, processes, logistics, resources and IT support have to be exceptional. We have taken some small strides in the right direction but there is more to do than we have currently done. 

“Alongside the resources we have at the club, the county is lucky to be blessed with a passionate and ambitious independent schooling sector where cricket is a significant element of their provision.

“The support and resources of the Langdale group [of independent schools] are and will continue be critical to the health of the Pathway programme if it is to continue to grow, be class-leading in the country and meet the needs of all aspiring young cricketers in Sussex.”