A highlight for us & the Kearsney 1stXI was a live session with Gary Kirsten, where players discussed the mental aspects of the game and gained strategic insights into T20 cricket, focusing on risk management and performance under challenging conditions. Alongside player sessions, the Mini Camps supported coach development through practical and theoretical frameworks covering leadership, player management, and season planning. At Union High, a Parents in Sport talk emphasized the importance of positive parent involvement in youth sports.

At Union High, Gary’s parenting in sport talk was well received. Gary and Jordan facilitated a coach development workshop covering:

Effective team meetings
Player management and leadership by example
Performance debriefs
Supporting players’ mental development
Designing quality training sessions
Season planning and management
The goal is to give coaches practical frameworks and confidence to enhance their environments.

At Kearsney and Highbury, players embraced the opportunity to learn and grow in a “High-Performance” environment.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mini Camps will continue to connect with schools across South Africa, fostering a culture of performance and learning. The GKC team remains dedicated to facilitating the growth of coaches and players nationwide, collaborating with schools in tailored programs to strengthen cricketing cultures and equip the next generation with the tools to thrive.

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Over recent months, these dedicated coaches completed a series of workshops covering the fundamentals of cricket coaching, leadership and the mental aspects of working with young players. Those who earned their CoachED Level 1 Coaching Certificate were among men & women, emphasizing our commitment to gender inclusivity & equal opportunity in sport.

Alongside this journey included the Gary Kirsten CATCH Trust High Performance Program; an eight-week experience focused on developing boys and girls who are working to break into professional cricket structures. During this time, the senior coaches from the Catch Trust Academy spent valuable hands – on time alongside our GKC team, within a high-performance environment. “An incredibly rewarding experience” – added Gary.

Gary Kirsten, in his role as CATCH Trust Board Member and Co-founder of CoachED Cricket, shared a few words of encouragement.

“Congratulations on completing the course. It is a detailed program, so well done. I am really impressed with the commitment shown, and I hope the skills you have gained will make a meaningful impact as you mentor the next generation of cricketers.”

Looking ahead, we feel grateful to be part of this ongoing journey. We remain committed to helping create environments where coaches and players can learn, grow and belong.

We look forward to welcoming the next group of aspiring coaches and sharing more stories from the field as this important work continues.

Often, we have players come and train with us before they head off to their various tournaments. This week was no different, with Dave Miller training alongside our Catch Trust High Performance players.

The post Gary Kirsten CATCH Trust High Performance Program 2025 appeared first on Gary Kirsten Cricket.

Q: What was your original motivation to join HPA 2019 and your expectations of the program leading into the start of it?

A: I applied for the HPA to see if I could play at a higher level as I wanted to pursue a future at the professional level, having not been involved in a county system for almost 6 years I had to rely on club nets. I was lucky enough to be playing with Aneesh Kapil who was hungry and knew what it took to get to the next level and he recommended me to apply.

I also saw it as a sink or swim kind of experience where I will learn whether I have a future in the game as I had a bit of self-doubt of not being good enough after not being in a professional set up for so long and having not been signed at 17 or 18 years old.

I had the hunger and was ready to soak up all the coach’s information in order to know what I have to work on and with my performances towards the end of the academy, I feel more confident to prove these doubts wrong.

The academy was what I expected and more, I had a pretty good idea as I had watched pretty much all the YouTube and Facebook videos on the high performance academy and had Aneesh telling me what it would be like. The attention to detail, basics and the standards expected from yourself is what really stood out.

Q: Tell me about your experience at HPA?

My experience at the HPA was amazing and better than I ever thought it could be, mainly due to the progression I felt I had made during my time there working with amazing coaches such as Adrian Birrell, Ryan Cook, Gary Kirsten, Darren Stevens, Chris Nash, Garreth Von Hoesslin and Andrew Wylie.

I felt like every session was a meaningful session and I always learned a lot and took a lot out of each session with everyone. I have a notebook full of key learnings, in there is a lot of technical and tactical things such as getting my head into the balls and not being upright and a change to my trigger which all seemed to click about 3 weeks in.

It was great to experience cricket in another country with coaches who had a unique way of coaching, not the typical English way, and seeing how different the approaches can be. My only regret was not having longer on the academy than the 8 weeks. I felt very privileged to have been there and been able to have the opportunity to learn from such great coaches.

I went through some ups and downs as well, I felt I did struggle the first week and it did get me a bit down in frustration. I remember Adi saying to me,“sometimes you have to get worse before you get better”. I felt that was the case for me as I got my head down and took everything on board from all the coaches and I really began to find my feet 3 weeks in. I feel like my bowling and fielding has improved drastically too since my time at the academy and since being back.

Q: Were there any highlights that stood out for you during your time at the HPA?

Meeting Gary Kirsten and having 1 on 1’s with him was amazing! I learnt so much from him every time. In fact, all the coaches in my 1 on 1’s were great. I remember one session I had with Darren Stevens, he said some very encouraging things, and asked what made me the player I was that day 6 weeks in from the one he saw at the start. It was nice for him to notice the improvements in my game.

From a playing point of view, scoring 70 not out in the Kent Inter squad match as well as scoring a hundred for Claremont CC was very satisfying.

Coaching the kids at the Gary Kirsten Foundation in Khayelitsha was very humbling and eye opening and to be honest just being able to play cricket and work at your game every day, Monday to Friday, was an amazing experience, I love the game and being around it so much, talking and taking part in it so intensely was a highlight on its own.

Q: Since leaving in March – what did you do in the lead up to the season?

A: In the lead up the season, I attended preseason nets with my club side Wolverhampton. The weather from arriving back in England meant it was mostly restricted to indoor training. I took the intensity and work ethic from the HPA into my sessions. A big thing for me was caring about each and every ball in the nets and making sure every session was meaningful. I worked at the areas I had to started to work on in Cape Town such as developing my sweep shot and pull shot.

Q: How has the season gone so far?

A: Playing for Wolverhampton in the Birmingham league, it started off very promising with a couple of 40’s but poor execution and shot selection got me out. I need to be greedier and ruthless and make starts into big scores, this was frustrating but also promising as my team mates and even spectators had noticed big improvements in my game.

So far I have scored 316 runs at an average of 31.6 with 3 fifties and highest score of 99 (where I got run out). I have only had 10 innings because a month into the season I suffered from a liver virus causing jaundice, so I was in and out of the hospital for 7 to 8 weeks with multiple blood tests weekly and told not to play. This was difficult, because I hadn’t been training or at work in the week but giving it all on a Saturday and Sunday for the club. It was a very mentally challenging period in my career in cricket as I had been very high off the improvements made on my time at the HPA, which gave me a lot of confidence to go out there keep working hard and score big runs, I felt like the illness came at the worst time!

However, cricket is a sport you fail more times than you ever succeed and you learn to pick yourself up and keep going and remembering the hard work put in will come good and to have the attitude of “never going away”. Only a few weeks ago my blood tests returned to normal and as a precaution they will be checking my blood again in a couple of months before finally discharging me.

The overall experience has made me more hungry and just to use this set back to come back stronger as there will always be set backs along the way to chasing your dreams.

Q: What are your aspirations for the rest of the season?

A: After the illness, it feels like the season is only just beginning for me now. I’m finally feel healthier and able to train how I was before and coming off the back of a 55 and 99 this Saturday, I feel confident about working hard and finishing very strong and hopefully scoring a few hundreds in the last half of the season and make match winning performances.

Q: Do you have any future plans coming up for the off season?

A: My future plans are to attend the HPA again in 2020 and continue where I left off making positive strides to improving and continue the great relationship with the coaches there who I feel like have got to know me and my game very well. Having learned more about my game and what it takes to take it the next level to keep improving and push for a place in a county 2nd team and impress with performances and work ethic.

For more information on the HPA 2020 and to apply, click here.

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Looking to continue work on his leg spin as well as develop his batting was his goal when reaching South Africa and the work that he put in over the 8 week program was often beyond the call of duty. Philippe was often seen running additional laps in the heat and target bowling long into the afternoons with fellow Dutch “A” player Julian De Mey. This determination was well rewarded when producing match winning figures for the GKC in their match against UCT taking 6 for 27 in 8.5 overs in February and he continued to find improvements with the ball with strong mentorship from Adi Birrell, current Hampshire CCC Head Coach.

Philippe focused on his playing of the short ball as well as construction of innings in white ball cricket. “I have been trying to keep up the skills I learnt and the exercises we have been given, I have not only been doing this, but also trying to implant it into our club trainings which we have all benefited from”, reflected Philippe, who has been playing for the Netherlands U19s and Dutch “A” team since his return.

He took a 4 wicket haul against Guernsey for the A side but as always is trying to improve himself saying, “I am starting to feel a little bit more confident and my batting is going better, I want to bowl with lots of confidence”. His future plans are to go overseas again this year to play cricket combined with studies.

The GKC coaches are looking forward to meeting up again with Philippe in Holland this coming week as part of the annual High Performance Camp at the VRA ground in Amsterdam. He heaped praises for these coaches saying, “It was an absolute pleasure to work with the best coaches in the world and the professional way they go about the game. The time the coaches spend with you and the way they listen gives you a feeling of being understood. They work hard and are always ready.”

Applications for the GKC High Performance Academy 2020 are open, click here to enroll!

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Since leaving the HPA in March, Callum has been training with Worcester and minor county team Herefordshire. Playing for the Worcestershire 2nd XI, he has already notched up a two fifties and was involved in a hundred run partnership scoring 78 with fellow HPA player Josh Breed against Warwickshire 2nd XI last week which consisted of a strong bowling line up.

Callum reflects on these early successes in the season, “I have noticed improvements in my game from my time in Cape Town and think my game is in a good place.”

He goes onto add that the HPA provided a well organised and professional setup that stimulated training from both players and coaches which was of a high standard and quality. “I felt like all the coaches were solely focused on my development as a cricketer and the environment they created was exceptional.”

Making runs is not all that Callum is currently busy with, he has also founded a charity to raise awareness and provide for mental health in young sports people which is a hot topic at the moment in the UK and around the world. “The charity will aim to educate coaches, players and staff in mental health related to sport, this includes dealing with the pressures of a career in sport and funding individuals who need professional help”.

His aspirations for the season are to continue to make match winning performances for Worcestershire 2nd XI and Herefordshire with a view to play for Oxford MCCU next year as he furthers his studies. With a good head on his shoulders and a strong drive to succeed, this is a goal which he is capable of achieving.

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This year, the program was slightly altered from previous years, the duration was 8 weeks long and followed a theme based around “player responsibility”. This season each player received 3 “Team based sessions” including a masterclass, nets and matches every week as well as 2 One-on-One sessions. Players also then got an elective for additional services such as Mental sessions with Tom Dawson Squibb as well as conditioning sessions with Warwick Cross at Sports Science Institute of South Africa to supplement their skill work.

GKC once again enlisted some of the best names in coaching to share their experience and expertise. Led by Gary Kirsten, the program featured a High Performance Coaching Team including Adrian Birrell, Garreth Von Hoesslin and Ryan Cook along with specialists in their respective fields who conducted weekly sessions. An example of this occurred in the third week when the players had the privilege to a week practicing alongside Dane Vilas, former Proteas Wicket Keeper Batsman and current Lancashire captain as he modeled the consummate professional. In Week 4, Eric Simons ran a masterclass on modern day bowling strategies which was a true eye opener for not only the players but the coaches in attendance.

It has been incredible to see the growth and improvement in the players during the program. Each individual embraced the environment which placed emphasis on the attention to detail to the standard of performance which is required to become and succeed as a professional in the new cricketing landscape. The bonds formed between the players and the relationships with each other and the coaches forged through shared experiences are a hallmark of this program.

Keep an eye out for applications opening for our 2020 program!

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Heading up the program this year is Adi Birrell, who is world renowned in the coaching circles for his successful stints as Head Coach of the Ireland National Cricket Team and Assistant Coach for the Proteas from 2014-2017. He has also recently been appointed Head Coach of the Paarl Rocks in the new Mzanzi Super League T20 competition in South Africa. Adi brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in a unique way and having joined GKC last year for a stint at the HPA is excited by this year’s program. “The numerous brilliant performances achieved by the 2018 HPA attendees indicates there were improvements to their individual games. I look forward to meeting the new intake and guiding them through an intense program which I am sure will bring lasting improvements.”

This year, players’ will receive individualized training along with a selection of additional interventions to take their games to the next level. Ryan Cook, Director of High Performance at GKC said, “In our quest to provide the most value to the players, their program is customizable to their needs to level up. It is so exciting to see players progress throughout the program and the cheery on the top is when they perform in the seasons to come. This year sees a unique occurrence that 4 players from the HPA in 2018 will be returning to continue the work that was done last year which is encouraging and exciting.”

The training facilities at GKC Headquarters are primed and ready for high quality practice and matches which are a hallmark of the program. This allows players to be prepared for the upcoming season through access to the variety of the offerings at the Constantia Sports Centre. The players will also have access to specialists in their given areas of expertise and having continuity with these support staff is instrumental in the program’s success and the improvement of the players from a holistic point of view.

When asked about the High Performance Academy in its 5^th year, Gary Kirsten said, “Once again, we have players from all around the world joining us to find the best version of themselves as cricketers and people. Exploring potential and being able to play a role in the growth of a player is a special experience.” He continued, “It is encouraging that many of the players are returning for a second year and we welcome the new players to what can be a career and even life changing couple of months with the team”.

For more updates on the GKC High Performance Academy follow us on twitter , Facebook, Instagram

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Hidde’s energy and enthusiasm for the game rubbed off on all the players at the HPA. His consistent positivity was contagious as he rose to every challenge. Hidde reflects on the time in Cape Town saying, “When at the HPA, the opportunity to play cricket every day with a great bunch of guys and willing coaches was an amazing experience, I loved the positive culture that was created over the couple of months and practicing 5 days a week was tough but extremely enjoyable.”Throughout the2017 season, Hidde had some ups and downs, but started 2018 with a bang with a 48 not out and a five-for against Essex development in XI for the KNCB team, this kick started his season and has been finding some consistent performances with both bat and ball in the Eerste-Klas league.

These performances were rewarded when Hidde was selected for the Dutch National side for games against Nepal and the MCC at Lords in July. “I represented the colours of my country in the youth setup but to do it for the National team is a dream come true and to do it at Lords is something extremely special.” He was also selected alongside close friend, Tonny Staal, who attended the HPA in 2018. This follows a relationship between the KNCB, The Flamingos and Gary Kirsten Cricket, which has been moving from strength to strength every year. Gary Kirsten reflects on this relationship, “We have been fortunate over the past few years to have strong ties with the KNCB. We feel it adds value not only to the individuals but to the system as a whole. We are thankful to Wulf Van Alkemede who has been instrumental in driving this relationship and keeping the consistency to improve Dutch Cricket. We are looking forward to welcoming the new attendees of the HPA 2019 as they aim to upskill in preparation for their upcoming season.

Hidde performed admirably in the 3 games in National coloursdespite the games being rain affected and has returned to his club and continued his all round performances with economical figures and middle order contributions to see his team home as the season draws to a close.

Ryan Van Niekerk, The GKCI Head Coach was very proud of Hidde,“This is an incredible achievement and we wish him all the best as he continues to make his mark at the international level, hopefully this experience propels him to new heights”.

For more updates follow on www.garykirsten.com

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Ben returned to the UK in March to resume his time with the MCC YC’s having ironed out some chinks in his technique and in his game plans. “I came away feeling like I had a great understanding of how I wanted to play which put me in a good place for the season ahead”. Ben started off the season scoring runs in both red and white ball cricket, this included a 161 vs Worcestershire 2^nd XI in the championship, 80 against Leicester in a 50 over game and 94 against Yorkshire in a T20 in the first month and he has not looked back.

Midway in the season, he was given an opportunity to join Northantamptonshire CCC 2^nd XI and through trusting his processes started to return some great performances. He was rewarded by being selected for the 1^st XI to play against Derbyshire in the NatWest Blast and has recently been selected to play in the County Championship opening the batting alongside Ricky Vasconcelos who is a long term attendee at the GKC. With 3 games left to go in the season Ben has been awarded a contract with the county for next season and hopes to end off the year with a bang.

Ryan Cook, the High performance Director at GKC said, “We are so proud of Ben’s accomplishments this season. He arrived very determined and motivated to take his game to the next level and I am glad to see him starting to fulfill his potential. To be a part of any players journey is special and this is marks the beginning of another road.” Ben reflected these sentiments, “I hope to return to the GKC next year to continue the strides we made at the start of the year, I felt the balance between training and down time was perfect as it allowed me to focus hard on my cricket and keep me refreshed going back into the new season”.

We will keep tracking his progress and providing updates on his performances. For more information on the GKC High performance Academy go to www.garykirsten.com/highperformanceacademy

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Dan attended the GKC First Team 2 First Class program in 2015 and was impressive amongst some of his elder peers. This 10-week camp aimed to bridge the gap between First Team school and club cricketers and the first class level. He has continued his work with the GKC High Performance coaching team and attended many of the High Performance Academy sessions with an eye on improving not only with ball in hand but also the bat., “Dan has worked tirelessly on his batting over the past few years to transform into an allrounder, his work ethic and strong belief in his ability are starting to reap rewards” said Derek Mitchell, GKC High Performance Coach.

Dan has also joined up with the MCC Young Cricketers as part of their development squad and has represented the Club Cricket Conference during mid-week fixtures. These have been particularly fruitful for Dan as he took a 5 wicket haul against Essex 2^nd XI to complement an allround 4fer and 96 against the British Police Force the week before. For his club, Dan’s figures have been impressive taking 20 wickets at an average of 15 including a devastating 6 for 26 in 20 overs against Horspath CC.

“I am seeking to bring more consistency to my game with bat and ball and am grateful for the opportunities to play lots of matches which is helping me adapt to the conditions and grow my game to a new level”, Dan said. “To this point in his career, Dan has been an asset to any team he has played for. His competitive nature mixed with his insatiable desire for growth is a combination which will stand him in good stead as he moves up the ranks” said Ryan Cook, Head Coach of GKC High Performance.

His stocks as an allrounder are rising and there are exciting prospects on the horizon if he continues on his development curve, but for now Dan is focused on his “process of improvement and contributing with match winning performances in any team I play for”. We will be tracking his progress with a keen eye.

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