This August saw Stephen Moreton, who has driven the Coach Education system in Ireland for the last five years, move on to bigger fish and pursue other ambitions. To fill his shoes is Michael Hingston, who has worked for Cricket Ireland over the same period as an Active Communities Cricket Coach in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area, he has been Ireland U13 Lead Coach for the past four years and is a qualified Tutor and Assessor for the Cricket Ireland Coach Education programme, delivering on many UKCC courses over the past five years as well.
Becoming the new Coach Development Manager, I asked Michael what he is looking forward to.
“First and foremost, getting my teeth into the many opportunities that lie ahead for cricket coaches in Ireland by inspiring new coaches to get involved and become part of the exciting future for Irish Cricket and also supporting and developing our current coaches, so that they can achieve their ambitions within the game. Whether it is the coaches in the school yard, at their club or those who look after our National Squads, I hope that I can use my experience of all these environments to help them along their coaching journey. If Cricket Ireland are to become a Test playing country, we’ll need quality, qualified and skilled coaches who have support systems in place for them and I will do all I can to help create these and achieve the aspirations of the individual coaches and Cricket Ireland."
"I’m looking forward to building on the great work, foundations and contacts that Stephen has built up over the past number of years and finalising the National Coaching Strategy that he started, which although being for the whole country will aim to be specific to the needs of each of the Unions as well. I’m excited to begin working with the Leinster Coaches Association, which has been doing some great things over the years in terms of Coach Ed and Development, and I hope that I can help them achieve their goals as an organisation."
"The LeinsterCA has some forward-thinking programmes planned, which are being driven by very passionate, knowledgeable and experienced people, who want all the players that play the game to enjoy it and be the best they can be, whether crossing that white line on the playground or on one of our international grounds.”
Acknowledging the challenges in the Leinster area of supporting coaches post courses to finish their supported sessions and complete their qualifications, Michael seems confident that he can bring what is needed to the table. Communication is key. There will be a roll-out of information updates for Tutors delivering courses and for coaches going through the courses. The LeinsterCA hope to link in and work together with the Michael and the CICA.
Along with this Cricket Ireland will be helping with personal for the LeinsterCA to run workshops for its members on specific skills and helping to update coaches and help with Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Please keep informed by following the LeinsterCA and the CICA on Twitter and/or Facebook.
Twitter: @LeinsterCA @CricketCoachEd
Facebook: Leinster Coaches Association Cricket Ireland Coaches Association
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