ECB Coaches Association links Inspiring Generations | Page 16

INSPIRE THROUGH ELITE TEAMS
INSPIRE THROUGH
ELITE TEAMS
We will create and celebrate the heroes
at the pinnacle of the elite game
Grassroots and the elite game go hand-in-hand; every county and England player begins their journey on a
local pitch. In turn, as the highest profile ambassadors for the sport, elite teams and players have a unique
platform to set the standard that engages and inspires both on and off the field. On the field, we will invest in
the talent development systems that drive high performance and produce winning performances across county
and England teams. Off the field, the next generation of players will be inspired by the heroes of today. We will
do more to connect young people to the stars across Men’s, Women’s and Disability cricket who perform and
triumph on cricket’s biggest domestic and international stages.
12
100
months the time that England
Men have spent as the number
one ranked Test team since 1980
(vs 170 months for Australia)
“
The academy at Essex
was the first time where
I understood the values,
commitment, dedication
and sacrifice it took
to build a career in
professional cricket.
%
of currently centrally
contracted England Men’s
players came through
county academies
We will:
70 %
44 %
England home win record
since 2008
England away win record
since 2008
Individual sporting superstars
often have a larger social following than the
team they play for
This means:
Increase investment in the county talent pathway The performance system will be a consistently high
standard across the domestic game, giving more
players the opportunity to develop their talent
Incentivise the counties to develop England players Counties will be rewarded for fielding more England-
qualified players in domestic professional competitions
Drive the performance system through technology
and innovation Performance will be lifted through new technologies
which enhance player development and improve
selection decision-making
Create heroes and connect them with a new
generation of fans Heroes will be given the best platform to develop their
talent, and a new generation of fans will be inspired by
the performances of these heroes on and off the field
Ben Foakes
Surrey and England
Ben exemplifies the talent and dedication needed to get to the top of the game.
He started playing cricket aged six for the colts at Frinton-on-Sea before graduating
through the Essex academy system. This academy experience supported Ben’s
development alongside his international opportunities with England at Under 19 and
Lions levels, as well as an overseas placement.
In 2018 he helped Surrey to their first County Championship in 16 years, before scoring
a century in his first Test match for England, making him only the second English wicket-
keeper to do so on his Test debut.
I N S P I R I N G G E N E R AT I O N S
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