For the second part of our interview series with new Director of Cricket, Kim Barnett, he outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Development Coach in the new coaching model.
The role of the Development Coach will be to lead the Academy, support the Second XI and identify the best junior talent across the county who will then be invited to receive additional coaching support from the Club.
Speaking exclusively to derbyshireccc.com, Barnett said: “The Development Coach will run the Second XI, Academy and liaise with the league clubs – so it’s a big job.
“The role represents a step change in the way the county club can provide specific support to young talented cricketers within the county.
“Youngsters in Derbyshire will now have the opportunity to be identified by the Club from the age of 13 and learn from coaches with first class experience, which can only be good for the game.
“It is an essential role as we aim to continue to develop home-grown talent who can go on and win games for Derbyshire.
“Any talented player from 13-year-old onwards will be eligible to be selected by the Development Coach who will use their first-class experience and coaching expertise to ensure that players receive the appropriate support and development right through to the first-team.
“As a Club, we will continue to work closely with the DCB who will carry on running their County Age Groups, including the Mini Academy / Emerging Player Programme.
“The difference now is that the Club’s Development Coach will be responsible for selecting and providing additional coaching support to those talented junior players who the Club feel have the potential to make it to first-class level.
“As part of this, the Development Coach will liaise directly with the DCB, local leagues, clubs and schools, as we aim to find the best talent in the local area.
“In addition to this, the Club has a strong relationship with the Staffordshire Cricket Board and produced some fine players from that partnership. We will continue in the same vein.
“We want to produce first class cricketers who will put in winning performances for Derbyshire. We believe some of them will eventually go on to play for England.
“It’s, therefore, critical to the Club’s future that we identify and develop these talented youngsters from an early age. This task is now the responsibility of the Club’s Development Coach which is why the new role is one of the most important jobs in the new structure.”
