QUCA Set For 2017 Spring And Summer Cricket Programs
As you know, cricket is one of the fastest growing sports in New York City area, and in an effort to keep up with the demand to equip youngsters with the techniques of the game, the Queens United Cricket Academy (QUCA) is living its motto, “Inspiring Tomorrow’s Cricketers Today.” The academy will start its 2017 program on April 29th at 9:30 a.m. at the Idlewild Cricket Complex facility at 147th Avenue and 223rd Street in Rosedale, Queens, New York.
Barbados Cricket Tour
After spending time in an indoor facility and before the summer session begins, QUCA under 16 & under 13 teams will be heading to Barbados this week from April 7th -16th.. Our team will participate in a series of matches against local academies, clubs and other touring sides in that country.
Coaching Program For Boys & Girls
This program is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 5 to 16 years old. Idlewild boasts a full size cricket ground and a smaller ground for softball cricketers or beginners. The well-manicured cricket grounds also have two batting cages.
Players are grouped based on age, ability, and experience, and are assessed on the first day of their coaching to make sure that they are assigned the appropriate level. The QUCA coaching program is designed to build on natural talent and unearth future stars.
All staff are certified coaches and go through the academy’s in-house training program. QUCA has enlisted the assistance of some experienced former cricketers and the response from the youngsters and their parents have been very encouraging.
With Academy President Tony Hinds and our club president Austin Hutchinson, and under the watchful eyes of Academy Director George Samuel (Level 2 Cricket Australia) and Head Coach, the enrolled players have been gaining confidence and a greater passion for the game. Along with George, certified and dedicated coaches Adam Sanford, Lalit Bhatia (level 2 CA & ACF coach). Cyril Choy, Pradeep Daniel, and Charley John (Level 2 ACF), Keith Singh (WICB level 1) and Strength & Conditioning certified coach Chris Finley (Former American Football College player), continue to serve the students and coach them using some of the latest and most effective drills and tips for improving their game.
Last summer, the academy had more than 50 registered players regularly attending the training sessions. In two years QUCA had the opportunity to introduce cricket to more than 300 kids through its community program and working with NYPD Street cricket program.
The youngsters enjoy a fun-filled environment, while learning the fundamentals of the game, including teamwork, fitness and fair play.
Players have weekly training sessions and camps over the summer, where learning valuable match skills such as batting, bowling and fielding are emphasized. For additional information and registration, you may call 917-805-5290 or visit www.quca.org
Under-12, U-14 and U-16 League (overs 25, 35, 40)
Currently, the academy has joined with Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 NATA leagues of the Atlantic Region, comprising teams from New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. The league will commence from April 22nd and go all the way to September. Players will have a chance to play against the best players from the Eastern part of the United States.
Achievements:
Under the guidance of experienced and certified coaches, QUCA has been able to mold the kids to compete at the national level. During the summer of 2015 and 2016, the eight regional National Youth Under-13 and 14 Tournament was held in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and the entire New York Region team was selected from the members of the QUCA. 95 percent of players were selected from QUCA academy. This is a huge achievement when you realize the academy has only been in business for two years.
The team was also represented at various youth tournaments around the country. The QUCA team had a chance to compete with some of the best teams and were able to win some of their matches too!
QUCA has hosted special coaching camps for its players with former international cricket stars such as West Indies greats Gus Logie, Gordon Greenidge, Alvin Kallicharran, Carlisle Best, Larry Gomes, Adam Sanford, and Peter Welling, from England and MCC coaching team from England.
