An evening celebrating Middlesex coaching in 2015

On Thursday 19 November over 60 members of the Middlesex Coaches Association (MCoA) met to celebrate the achievements of Middlesex coaches in 2015.  The evening began with the AGM during which the MCoA Chairman, Rod Croucher, reported on the seven coach development events run during the year. These events complement the coach education programme of ECB courses, and have helped Middlesex coaches at all stages in the Middlesex Coach Pathway. Rod also thanked the Middlesex Cricket Board (MCB) and Middlesex CCC staff who have supported this programme of events, and emphasised that much of the success of coaching in Middlesex was because of the hard work of MCoA members and the close cooperation of MCoA, MCB and Middlesex CCC.

Following the AGM, MCoA members recognised the achievements of Middlesex coaches with the presentation of the 2015 Middlesex Coaching Awards.

• Steve Cowley won the ‘Young Coach of the Year Award’ for his excellent work at Twickenham CC, where he has been coaching since he was a colt and now makes a significant contribution to the running of the junior section. Steve was presented with his award by Alan Coleman, Middlesex Head of Youth Cricket. 
• The ‘Coach of the Year Award’ was presented to Karl Sylvester by Richard Scott, Middlesex's Head Coach. Karl has had a wonderful year coaching in a number of environments – at his club Wycombe House CC, in Middlesex Borough and Regional Cricket (with Hounslow and the West Region), with Chance to Shine through the MCB, and in 2016 will be working with the Middlesex Girls U11 County Squad. 
• The ‘Outstanding Contribution to Cricket Coaching Award’ was presented to Minesh Patel from Eastcote CC by Richard Scott.  Minesh is a well-known and respected coach, not only in his own club, but also in the broader community of junior cricket in Middlesex, to which he has made a huge contribution over many years. Minesh leads by example and gets the best out of the top players he works with but also encourages all players to love the game regardless of ability.

After the presentation of awards, Alan and Richard were joined by two current Middlesex players, Harry Podmore and Ryan Higgins, for a really interesting panel discussion. Alan began by talking about coaching in the Middlesex Player Pathway, and Richard continued by talking about the transition of players into the professional ranks. Harry and Ryan described their experience of this transition and gave MCoA members an insight into the challenges of playing professional cricket today. MCoA members were very grateful to Alan, Richard, Harry and Ryan for their contributions to a most successful and enjoyable evening.

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