It was at a church on Ecclesall Road last month that I met Peter Thompson, a young cricket enthusiast living in Sheffield. An hour of talk revealed many things. His love for the sport was quite evident.
He dreams of making it big one day and wearing England caps but feels it's a distant dream. 'Almost impossible' is what he says.
The following week, I made a visit to one of the local grounds to dig through the cricketing expanses of the city. An hour-long view of how some of them played and a talk with a selected few led to me to the path of realisation.
What I saw there was refined talent, solid potential, sheer passion, and much more. But why can't they go beyond this? Some unsolved mystery, hidden truth beckons. What should they do as stepping stones to the big stage?
I decided to have a chat with James Buttler, PR & Communications Manager of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and find out what it really takes to earn a place for both Yorkshire and the national side.
I also asked him about the training methods adopted in the club to promote fresh talents. It was an insightful trip that helped me to find out what the young cricket aspirants can really look forward to.
How does your club work towards the emergence of new talent?
The Club works in conjunction with the Yorkshire Cricket Board to promote grass roots cricket, work with cricket clubs and ultimately identify young talent.
Yorkshire operates a number of age group sides and an Academy where the cream of the crop rise to. At the end of their stay in the Academy a select few are offered a junior professional contract and the chance to progress towards 1st Team cricket.
What are their methods of training?
There are a wide variety of training methods – cricket skills and nets through to the theory, diet advice, fitness, media training and life skills – that is in the Academy.
How would you compare the coaching standards available here with the ones in other parts of the world, like the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai, India?
The standard of coaching in Yorkshire is very high. We do send players to other parts of the world like India, Australia and South Africa in the winter to learn the game. The current coaching staff is very forward thinking.
You never know everything and they are also always learning from other coaches both in the UK and abroad.
What does it take to be something special?
There is little difference in skill levels between many youngsters and those that make it through to international cricket have that little bit extra in skill, but also temperament and commitment to their own games.
Some ‘lesser’ players make it at international level because of the people they are and likewise some very talented people fail. It is a popular phrase in sport, but is true, that the most successful sports people have the whole package – mental, physical and skill.
Yorkshire CC aside, Can anyone from anywhere in the country get into the national team? Is ability the only criteria for a place in the squad? What are the other factors involved in it?
Yes anyone can progress to the national side – if you are good enough and score enough runs or take enough wickets you will be recognized – for some it takes longer than others, but that can be down to many different reasons – your role within a side, who you succeed against, etc.
Buttler's words are certainlty inspiring, the key is keep believing and never give up on your dream! You too could become the next Darren Gough or Michael Vaughan leading out the team at Headingley.
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