The latest initiative to be unveiled at Bicton College is the International Cricket Academy. At the launch event there was a high turnout from all over Devon from cricket clubs, prospective students and parents who were keen to find out more. As a result of such interest, Head Coach, Joel Murphy is running a number of free cricket coaching sessions for Year 10 and 11 students – male and female – who have an interest in the Academy, the game or want to have an assessment of their ability.
Students joining the cricket academy in September can study the Extended Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence (equivalent to 3 A levels) or study an A level programme at Exmouth Community College or Clyst Vale, and link in with the cricket academy. Bicton is currently developing a higher level national diploma which is a vocational level 4 programme which students can top up to a full degree with a further year's study. There are 5 MCC universities – Oxford, Cambrige, Durham, Loughborough and Cardiff – all of which will be looking at academies such as Bicton's to provide their cricketers.
David Henley, Principal at Bicton College explains: "Cricket fits into the psychology of Bicton, insofar as it requires real focus and real development academically, but also leads into real career choices, not necessarily as a cricket professional but in a the wider ambit as well." He continued: "I think that combining whatever your career or passion in life is with an opportunity to play sport competitively makes you a much more rounded person."
Currently Bicton has its own cricket pitch based next to the main drive, and is in the process of developing a sports hall which will be a four court hall set up for cricket activities. There is also a 60x40 hard court area which will be coverted into 3G astro turf mid-February. There are two gyms at the college – one is a strength and conditioning gym and one is the college gym and a new swimming pool.
Mark Wagh, past Captain of the Oxford University cricket club who has played for Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire CCCs, was one of the special guests at the launch event: "The problem with being in an academy is that you can become very insular. But at Bicton there are so many other programmes and academies flourishing which I think is a hugely positive thing. You can see the variety of opportunities and ways of life on offer and pick up bits and pieces from everyone else around which I think is a real strength. "
Hugo Whitlock, a prospective student who attended the launch event said: "The launch itself was where, for the first time in my life, I felt what it was to be inspired. This is where I wanted to come, I had decided this about a minute after having my first conversation - the day was exciting, inspiring and welcoming."
For anyone interested in attending one of the Cricket Academy sessions please book your place by emailing admissions@bicton.ac.uk or telephone 01395 562408. Sessions will run from 1pm-3pm on Saturday 9th February and Saturday 23rd February, or from 10am-12pm on Sunday 10th February and Sunday 24th February. All sessions are being held at the Main Sports Hall, Exmouth Community College, Gipsy Lane, Exmouth. Please see www.bicton.ac.uk for more details.
