"I have no kids in my building with whom I can play," says Diptanshu a class V student of Lilavatibai Podar Sr Secondary School. His senior Anuj a student of class VII gives similar reasons, "There is no place where I can play after school," he says. But around 15 kids like Diptanshu and Anuj, will no longer complain of no playground, no play time and no playmates, thanks to the school management which has introduced a new Cricket Education Programme (CEP).
The CEP is a global programme developed by Cricket Australia in collaboration with Fourth Dimension International Limited (FDIL). “FDIL will oversee the expansion of the programme to other cricket playing countries like South Africa, UAE, Singapore and so on," said Aditya Menon, cricket consultant and coach education.
The programme has been specially designed for young children in the age group of nine to fourteen years. Launched in India by the Cricket India Academy (CIA), the programme focuses on cricket skill development as well as improving the participant's knowledge and understanding of the game.
"Our programme is structured to allow players of all skill levels to improve their game and enjoy the whole experience of actually playing cricket. We hope to collaborate initially with schools across the city and then take the programme to pan India level," said a CIA official closely associated with the CEP programme. Currently CIA is working with Podar Education Group to mentor a few students who have signed up for the programme.
CEP is divided in six levels and is open for participants between the age group of 9 to 14 years. Where in level-I will be Introduction to Cricket, level-II: Development, level III: Intermediate training, level-IV: Emerging, level-V: Advanced training and level-VI: Diploma of Cricket.
Students who have opted for the programme will get a certified diploma from Cricket Australia after completing level six of the programme. Currently there are 27 students training under four coaches. The coaches at the Academy are cricket players who play at club level in Mumbai and have obtained MCA certification for coaching. These coaches also have to undergo a comprehensive training programme before they start coaching at the Academy. "The CA officialspersonally trained them, not so much on the technique of the game, but about teaching it to children of various age groups," said Menon.
Menon, who is currently in the city to supervise the on ground training cricket consultant and coach education for the CEP programme believes that in India, cricket is a loved sport, however the methodology is bit different. "Kids coming to the Academy will see the difference between our style and the traditional style of coaching. Our coaches have been inducted in a methodology which promotes practical training in a fun manner," he said.
Surender Kumar, director of Podar Sports Academy believes that sports form a major part of school life for young kids. "At times, normal school sports curriculum isn't well equipped to hone the talent of future sportsmen. But our school has always taken keen interest in extra curricular activities be it dance, sports, elocutions and various other competitions," he said. Podar Sports Academy itself caters to over 450 students training every week in various sports like football, basketball, cricket, table tennis, swimming to name a few.
Details
Age limit: 9 to 14 years
Fees: Rs35,000*
Duration: 36 weeks*
* For each level
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