Future in coaching appeals on launch of academy

The Ryan Sidebottom Cricket Academy aims to encourage young players throughout the county and is open to children aged eight to 15.

The Academy, which officially opens it doors on Monday week, will be run by the Yorkshire pace bowler in conjunction with his father, Arnie, himself a former Yorkshire and England cricketer, along with a number of expert coaches.

The venture, which is separate from the existing Yorkshire Academy, will include special scholarships for students from less privileged backgrounds in addition to a number of paid-for places.

“Coaching is something I’ve always wanted to do and it would be great if we could get the next Gary Ballance or Jonny Bairstow coming through the ranks,” said Sidebottom, who will attend as many sessions as his cricketing commitments allow.

“Growing up, I remember coming down to these sort of sessions and wanting to be the next Darren Gough or Craig White, and if we can inspire kids to come along and improve their skills, that would be great.”

Sidebottom has previously said that he would like to coach full time once he finishes playing.

“It would be great to do that because it’s something that comes naturally to me,” he said.

“It’s something I feel really comfortable with, although I’m not sure I want to get to Dizzy’s (Yorkshire first-team coach Jason Gillespie’s) level and be a county coach as such. But I’d definitely like to be a county bowling coach, or something like that.”

The Ryan Sidebottom Academy sessions start on Monday, October 7 at St Olaves School in York. They continue at Silcoates School in Wakefield on Thursday, October 10 and at Leeds Grammar School on Friday, November 1.

Sessions continue through until Christmas and then on from January until the summer holidays. Yorkshire Tea is supporting the initiative.

Kevin Sinfield, the company’s marketing manager, added: “We want to find the best from across the region and give them the helping hand they deserve to be the very best they can be.”

For more information, contact Kate on 07925 259544, email [email protected] or visit www.ryanside bottomcricketacademy.co.uk