Wicketkeeper-batsman Daryn Smit has taken a break from training this week to continue his pursuit of the ECB Performance Coach Course (Level 3) qualification.
The 33-year-old is halfway through the Level 3 course and is hoping the knowledge and experience he picks up can benefit the whole squad moving forward.
In his first season with the Club, Smit hit over 500 runs and claimed 38 dismissals, both in the field and as wicketkeeper and was particularly influential behind the stumps in Derbyshire’s run to a first T20 Blast quarter-final since 2005.
The Derbyshire squad returned to training this month with a series of fitness tests and tailored sessions to build on fitness work before focusing on cricket training in the New Year.
Smit said: “I’ve held my Level 2 for about 13 years and when cricket’s in your blood, it’s in your blood. You never know what the future holds, but I’d love to stay involved in the game in whatever capacity it is once I eventually finish my playing days.
“Now I’m based in England permanently it’s given me the opportunity to do my Level 3 and I’m now around halfway through the course. There’s a nice balance of players and coaches on the course so you get a nice variance of views.”
He added: “I still have a lot to offer from a playing perspective, but if you look at our setup here in the Derbyshire camp, we have a player-led structure and the more players we can have with these badges under their belt it adds so much more value to the unit.
“Being a senior player in the camp it can only stand me and the squad as a whole in good stead to be going through these badges.”
Price freeze for 2018. Club Membership will once again offer one great value price for all in 2018. Join today for only £139, if purchased before 1st February Early Bird deadline.
