ECB Coaches Association links Coaching Insight 2019 | Page 13

The Graduates
F
ew clubs boast the record
of Worcestershire, where
nearly two thirds of their
2018 County Championship
team were under 23. Add
to that the youthful core
of the T20 Blast-winning
team and two England
under-19 internationals and
a picture emerges of a youth
development system in full
bloom.
As the only dedicated
academy coach at the club,
much attention has come
Elliot Wilson’s way, but he
insists that the idea that it’s
a one-man show is far from
correct.
“We’ve firstly been quite
lucky that so many players
have come through at the
same time, pushing each
other forwards.
“We’ve also had a conscious
policy of signing players that,
even though they weren’t
completely ready for county
cricket, we trusted could be
guided towards the top level.
“I’m quite fortunate with the
size and resources at the
academy here, as it allows me
to work with players from our
under 8s all the way to the
full academy, which is 16–19
year olds. I only oversee what
goes on below that academy
level, but I’m really quite
hands-on with everyone
15–19. That goes from trials
and talent identification
through to matches.
“It’d be great if
I could watch
them after they
graduate but, put
simply, I’m on with
the next lot!”
George Rhodes
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