Kids from Queens United Cricket Academy.
Cricket is one of the fastest growing sports in New York 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 summer 2016 program on May 7 at 9:30 AM at the Idlewild Cricket Complex facility at 147th Avenue and 223rd Street in Rosedale, Queens, New York.
The program is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 16 years. 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 located in the northwestern corner of the park, one with a concrete pitch and the other with a matting pitch, and complete with safety nets.
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 under the watchful eyes of Academy Director George Samuel, 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, Cyril Choy, Jamie Lloyd and William Arthur, and Strength & Conditioning coach Chris Finley, 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. QUCA had the opportunity to introduce cricket to more than 200 kids through its community program.
The youngsters enjoy a fun-filled environment, and 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.
The Queens United Cricket Academy’s Mission: To develop tomorrow’s cricketers today. To provide an additional path for identifying talented cricketers. To provide talented young cricketers with simulated match conditions
Achievements:
Under the guidance of experienced and certified coaches, the QUCA has been able to mold the kids to compete at the national level. During the summer of 2015, the eight regional National youth Under-13 Tournament was held in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and the entire NY Region team was selected from the members of the QUCA.
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 Wellings from England.
Under-15 league
Currently, the academy has joined with Under-13 and Under-15 NATA leagues of the Atlantic Region, comprising teams from New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington DC.
Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced youth cricketer, Idlewild is the place to be and Queens United Cricket Academy is the opportunity for you.
Parents, get your kids involved in the fastest growing sport in the USA. For additional information and registration, you may call 917-805-5290 or visit www.quca.org