The Youth Academy, formed by Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) to help young players learn the game the right way, will be inaugurated on February 14, it was confirmed by a top official yesterday.
QCA Secretary General Manzoor Ahmed said the inauguration day of the academy will coincide with Qatar's National Sports Day activities.
"The academy will be run at the official nets of QCA at Lusail (West Bay Grounds). The existing facilities have been recently renovated to offer standard facilities to young kids keen on learning the craft of the game," Ahmed said.
Parents who are interested in sending their children for quality coaching can search for details on the QCA website, a statement from QCA said.
Names of interested parties can also be e-mailed to [email protected] or [email protected]
"QCA expects to increase the player-base in the country by encouraging young kids to take part in the coaching sessions to be headed by Level 3 Coach Mr Aruna De Silva," Ahmed said.
"Basically we are targetting kids in the U-16 and U-19 bracket. We want to have a strong player base in these two classes. That's the best age to teach the young kids on how to improve their overall skills and match awareness," he said.
"We have restructured our coaching plans so that as many people could make use of this opportunity," Ahmed said.
"We have reserves two pitches for the training sessions," Ahmed said. "The training sessions will be held twice a week - on Fridays and Saturdays. The training will start at 3:00pm on both the days," he said.
"The playing equipment will be provided by QCA. We have placed orders and playing equipment will soon be with us," he said.
The one-time registration fee has been fixed at QR 200 while a similar amount will be charged every month, Ahmed informed.
The 'Youth Academy' will also be supported by ICC/ACC qualified coaches, Ahmed said.
"Aruna De Silva is associated with QCA for many years. He has had the privilege of coaching Qatar's national teams in men and women classes and the U-19 cricket teams in the country," Ahmed said.
Ahmed also said that Amjad Baig, senior coach and physio/trainer, will be part of the operations of the newly established 'Youth Academy'.
"The academy will have a panel of experienced and certified coaches to improve the skills of the young players. We aim to take the game to all corners of the country," Ahmed said.
The panel comprises of senior coaches namely Suhail Yaqoob, Usman Mani, Rajiv Aggarwal and Kasun.
"This new development will be a source of happiness for kids and young players keen to get quality coaching," Ahmed said.
Aruna De Silva (55803851) and Amjad Baig (55344250) can be reached for more details.
