Going out: Young cricketers of Dubai offered first Cover Drive master class

Denzil Pinto 07:49 17/08/2015
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  • Organisers want to nurture young UAE cricket talent.

    With the new season coming up, budding cricketers can develop their skills and knowledge in Cover Drive’s first Master Class clinic. At Dubai’s Cover Drive, from August 23 to 27 between 09:00 and 12:00, children aged six to 19 can learn what is required to play the game from two Level Three coaches – Frank Beckles and Kobus Olivier.

    Both have extensive knowledge of the game. Beckles is a former manager and assistant coach of the Holland Under-15 team which competed in the Lombard World Cricket Challenge in England in 1996 as well as coaching school teams in South Africa.

    As for Olivier, after his playing days in England, Scotland and Holland, he went on to coach university and school teams in South Africa, before moving to Dubai last year. The pair will be passing on their knowledge and whether children have played cricket or not, Olivier insists there are plenty of positives to gain from just taking part.

    “It’s a great opportunity for the children to play the game,” said Olivier, who is organising the clinic.

    “Given the knowledge Frank Beckles possesses, I wanted someone of his quality to come to the UAE and teach cricket to the youngsters. There is no doubt there are some talented cricketers in the UAE, you just have to look at the number of children who play the game on weekends to know that cricket is very popular in the country.

    “It doesn’t matter if they have never played cricket or not, we want them to learn the basics and enhance their skills and knowledge. Frank and myself will work with children on their technique, have lectures about what it takes to build an innings and what to do in match situations.”

    The former Kenya Cricket Association CEO, added: “I believe the future of the game is Twenty20 but children need the basic fundamentals. For a bowler, it’s about bowling the ball line in length. For a batsman, it’s about building a solid defence and having the correct technique and we will ensure they are guided the right way on how they approach their shots and deliveries.

    A young batsman is given pointers in the nets.

    “I will also be bringing in a yoga instructor one morning to show what benefits they can gain from just doing yoga.”

    The fee for the five-day Master Class clinic is Dh1,500 and with 20 places available, spots will be confirmed on a first-come first-served basis. With Cover Drive no strangers to holding cricket coaching classes, Olivier insists it’s a great chance for children to learn in a “fantastic” facility.

    “The cricket nets are perfect and they are not too big and I find it’s the perfect venue for this Master Class coaching clinic. I’m sure the children will learn a lot during the five days,” he adds.

    What: Master Class coaching clinic
    Where: Cover Drive, Al Quoz, Dubai
    When: August 23 to 27, 09:00 to 12:00
    Contact: For information or to register, email [email protected] or phone 04 321 1123

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