"The Lennon EP Cricket Academy is an important vehicle that is providing the Eastern Province with a competitive edge in terms of aggressively developing and accelerating players in order to make the quantum leap from school boy/amateur cricket to professional cricket."

This is the view of the Eastern Province Cricket Board's CEO, Mr. Dave Emslie, only a few days before the Lennon EP Cricket Academy opens its doors to the 2001's intake on Monday, 29 January.

"We are very fortunate to have a wonderful sponsor in Lennons and such a very supportive partner in the University of Port Elizabeth where the academy is housed.

"It's an excellent programme, and we are strongly aware that we have to provide opportunities to young, talented cricketers from disadvantaged communities and backgrounds. That is why we are delighted to provide an opportunity to our high-quality development programme graduates."

An interesting feature is the appointment of an apprentice coach every year. "We have had 3 coaches up to now and this year, Mario Wilson has been appointed as apprentice coach. Wilson also played for the EP B side this season.

"The programme is an holistic one, developing the technical side as well as providing a solid cricket education," he says.

Eastern Province Cricket, through Grant van Heerden, as chief coach and Leigh Deyzel on the administration side, are fully responsible for the full management of the Academy. "We are also very proud of the achievements up to now," says Deyzel.

"We have seen players like Mfuneko Ngam and Justin Kemp come through the Academy and go on to play for South Africa. Other EP players such as captain Carl Bradfield, James Bryant, Murray Creed, Garnett Kruger, Dewald Senekal and Robin Peterson also attended the Lennon EP Academy. This year's intake includes SA Schools player Lazola Dipha, EP Schools players Simon McGillewie, Jan Stander, Colin Birch and Hilton Keeton and talented EP "B" players Brent Kops and Lyle Meyer."

Mr Rod McCleland, Chairman of the Lennon EP Cricket Academy Board says that "the main aim of the Lennon EP Cricket Academy is to develop natural talent, flair, skill, mental attitude, physical fitness and general knowledge, as well as etiquette. All of these play a major role in the transition from school to provincial and international cricket."

For the cricketers wanting to obtain an academic qualification while at the Lennon EP Academy, the academic programme may be extended over an additional year. In this way, the cricketer will be in a position to concentrate on the development of this cricket, while still completing one or two academic courses towards a degree or diploma.

During the Academy year, the cricketers receive coaching of a very high standard. "Individual, group and team level coaching is combined with modern coaching methods and equipment, including technique analysis with the use of video equipment."

If these players are selected, they are included into the Eastern Province training squads where they also receive additional coaching.

"During the year at the Academy the players are backed up by a well qualified support team. The support team consists of sport scientists, physiotherapists, doctors, ex-provincial, and national cricketers.

During the year, the hero's of tomorrow follow a variety of courses on aspects related to the game of cricket. "These courses include a cricket coaching course by the United Cricket Board of South Africa, courses conducted by the South African Cricket Umpires Association and a grounds man course."

The Academy does not only focus on the cricketing side. Players receive an opportunity to develop important life skills for life beyond cricket. A course in public speaking presented by the Toastmasters, basic principles of sports management and time, stress and financial management.

The Lennon EP Cricket Academy has the use of the cricket facilities at the University of Port Elizabeth, as well as those of the EP Cricket Board. Facilities at UPE include four cricket ovals, four artificial turf, eight practice nets and a clubhouse. Regular use is made of the indoor nets at St. George's Park.

The facilities at UPE have been a good training ground for players such as Dave Richardson, Kepler Wessels, Tim Shaw, Mark Rushmere, Dave Callaghan and Justin Kemp to develop and hone their skills to compete at the highest level.

According to Emslie, Eastern Province Cricket is very grateful for the support given by the University of Port Elizabeth and the sponsorship by Lennons. "We are looking forward to a future with UPE and Lennons."

The 2001 intake for the Lennon EP Cricket Academy is:

Brent Kops, Lazola Dipha, Simon McGillewie, Jan Stander, Unathi Nquma, Colin Birch, Lydon Brown, Hilton Keeton, Ettiene Potgieter, Graeme le Roux, Andrew Mazina, Mtunzi Antoni, Gareth Steenkamp, Wietske van der Westhuizen, Lyle Meyer, Umar Abrahams and Johan Botha.

© Eastern Province Cricket Board