Chicago Youth Cricket Academy (CYCA), a premier institution of cricket learning, is taking a proactive approach to providing a platform for youth cricket in the Greater Chicagoland Area. Following their vision of providing a better learning experience, the institution hosted their first American Cricket Federation (ACF) Level 2 coaching certification camp on the June 15 and 16, 2019 weekend at Hoffman Estate, IL. The ACF coaching and practical training sessions are a benchmark for coaching in the United States.
Introducing cricket at the grassroots level has been a challenge not only in the Chicago metropolitan area but in other states in the Continental United States. A shortage of well-trained coaches makes the mission more challenging if not impossible. CYCA understands that the platform for cricket cannot be sustained without a strong foundation of well-trained coaches who bring their own expertise to the table. When combined, a well-trained coaching staff can promote and maintain the sport of cricket through peer-to-peer mentoring as well as getting resourceful information and support from the ACF.
Chicago area schools have in the past, dabbled with the idea of introducing cricket in the school system as an approved extra-curricular activity but have failed to sustain the program. Inadequate equipment, untrained coaches, lack of knowledge with school programs could be all linked to the failure that we see today. CYCA plans to develop cricket with a three-pronged approach.
• Have well-trained coaches on hand. This provides a baseline understanding of the curriculum
• Share the knowledge with peers, parents, and other coaches in and outside of the school system. Spreading awareness is key to generating more interest in the sport itself, while also getting more and more coaches certified.
• Provide academic help to students who excel in the game of cricket. This can be accomplished by partnering with the ACF coaching program and USA Cricket.
With this recent weekend-long cricket coaching clinic, conducted by renowned national level ACF Director of Coaching Jatin Patel, CYCA was able to get some folks started towards the journey of coaching the next generation of talented individuals.
The vision and experience that Jatin Patel brings to these coaching sessions are second to none. He brings the experience of having played the game with the stalwarts and also being actively involved with many of the current international cricketers.
According to Hemen Patel, CYCA – Coach/Administrator, “Never ever have we felt like he was teaching or preaching. All of the sessions were conducted practically with bat and ball in hand. Starting from the basics of the game, and player adjustments to various game situations, he blended everything so well and empowered the attendees by sharing his immense knowledge of the game acquired from his experience.”
About the American Cricket Federation Cricket (ACF) Coach Certification Program
The ACF Cricket Coach Certification Level 1 program was launched in May 2014, followed by the Level 2 certification program one year later in June 2015. Since the launch, 26 States can now boast of having certified ACF cricket coaches to help grassroots level youth and school programs.
Testimonial
“On behalf of the entire CYCA family, we would like to thank Coach Jatin for his time. Coach Jatin Patel’s practical approaches and knowledge enhanced our understanding of coaching. It put lots of things in perspective to provide the grassroots level insight into coaching. With this deeper understanding of coaching, our coaches will help to progress cricket throughout the Chicagoland area.”
– Hemen Patel, CYCA – Coach/Administrator
