After evaluating the system in place in Abu Dhabi Cricket in November 2017, GKC continued their work at the start of 2018 at Sheik Zayed Cricket stadium with a series of High performance camps as well as setting up systems to attract players to cricket and improve the game through high quality practices and matches. Nauhaus states proudly,“By bringing new aspects to the structure of training we have been able to provide unique and exciting elements into the system and we have noticed a vast improvement.”

The next phase will be to build on the foundation which has been set up and the programs will become more specific and individualized. “This is all part of the culture which we are trying to create and foster.” This includes various new activities and methods to teach the game within a pathway for players which can facilitate growth, learning and fun.

Oscar and the coaching team have some challenges with such a diversity of cultures present in the community, but he sees this as a positive. “Cricket can be used as a vehicle to bring together all nationalities and people from all walks of life”. At this stage, providing opportunities for participation is one of the short term objectives, but GKC and Zayed Cricket Academy have some loftier ambitions, “The long term the goal would be to have players who have come through the grassroots system to U19 and perhaps go on to have a professional career in the game.”

As for Oscar himself, this has been avaluable learning experience. Being exposed to both the male and female games as well as the variety of cultures has allowed him to see the game through a wider lens. “It has been eye opening for me and I have grown as a person and a coach through this opportunity. My aspiration is to coach in the international realm and the lessons learnt in Abu Dhabi will hold me in good stead.”

Oscar arrives back in Abu Dhabi to continue his tenure at the beginning of August and is excited for the months ahead. GKC will be conducting another High Performance camp in October with Gary himself which fits into a busy schedule at the stadium and at the academy.

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“This partnership significantly elevates the coaching opportunities open to aspiring cricketers in the UAE through our Zayed Cricket Academy and underlines Abu Dhabi Cricket’s commitment to delivering sporting growth opportunities to the local community,” said Talal Al Hashemi, Board Member, ADC.

The partnership follows the success of a Gary Kirsten Camp held last Spring holiday in which youngsters under 14 honed their cricketing skills and understanding of the game. This winter ADC will work with Gary Kirsten Cricket to roll out High Performance Camps, for more senior cricketers who want to take their skills to the next level. The camps will run October 21 – 25 and October 28 – Nov 1.

“Gary Kirsten himself will be in Abu Dhabi to personally lead these camps,” explained Al Hashemi. “This means our enrolled cricketers will have the chance to learn from a true record breaker who is renowned for inspiring self-discipline amongst some of the world’s greatest players – a rare opportunity indeed.”

Gary Kirsten, the current Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach in the Indian Premier League, is noted for his record-equalling score of 275 against England, an innings that lasted over 14 hours and 30 minutes. He still holds the record for the highest innings by a South African in a One Day International; 188 not-out made against the United Arab Emirates during the 1996 World Cup, which is the sixth highest innings of all time in One-Day International cricket, and the highest score in World Cup cricket history.

“I’ve been seriously impressed with the improvements to the Abu Dhabi Cricket infrastructure, in particular the facilities available to academy students and to the footballing community, which are now truly world-class,” said Gary Kirsten. “I’ve come here many times over the years, with England Lions and in other coaching capacities, and this is the best I’ve ever seen the facility. It’s fast becoming one of the world’s best cricketing facilities.”

“This partnership is something of a meeting of minds,” explained Matt Boucher, Acting CEO, ADC. “We both share a determination to enhance cricketing skills and make coaching opportunities available to as wide an audience as possible and develop tomorrow’s stars. We’re once again strengthening the Zayed Academy for Abu Dhabi’s community and for the first time we’ll be running High-Performance Camps with Gary Kirsten himself. These camps will be open to overseas applicants together with a range of attractive accommodation and destination travel packages.”

“It’s another fantastic partnership for us and represents a major stride forward in ADC’s journey to becoming a prestigious hub for international sport and in particular cricket, which will be further enhanced this year by our packed international cricket programme.”

This year Abu Dhabi Cricket’s newly expanded 25,000-seater Zayed Cricket Stadium will be co-hosting the prestigious Asian Cup and will once again be a welcome overseas home to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s bilateral series’ against Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re also working on launching a major new tournament initiative which will see some of the world’s cricketing legends descend on the UAE capital this winter, details of which we hope to unveil shortly,” explained Boucher.

For further information and to register for Zayed Cricket Academy or the Gary Kirsten High Performance Camp, please contact booking@abudhabicricket.ae.

For more information visit www.abudhabicricket.ae or call 800 ADCRICKET

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiCricket

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AbuDhabiCricket

Instagram: www.instagram.com/AbuDhabiCricket

#EveryDayIsGameDay

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Head Coach Oscar Nauhaus commented “We had a great response from children all over Abu Dhabi during our recent cricket camp with Abu Dhabi Cricket, which kicked off the GKC launch. The weather could easily have put the less committed and enthusiastic off but credit to the kids for turning up. They experienced what it is like to work as a full time cricketer, three hours of training in the morning and three hours post lunch.”

The camp looked at building the basic skill sets of juniors. To compliment the intense nature of practice, the sessions were followed by games. The games were aimed at illustrating how the skills they learnt in practice could be used in match situations.

Credit must go to the coaches, who produced terrific sessions that were stimulating, fun and educational. No skill was left unaddressed. Ultimately, for juniors, it is about learning within a fun environment, an environment that encourages freedom of expression that allows for growth at an individual’s own speed.

Thank you to all involved who made the first camp in Abu Dhabi such a memorable experience! We look forward to the high performance camp later this year!

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