England international Fran Wilson has played a helping hand in inspiring the young generation of girls this winter.
The Middlesex batter, who passed her Level 3 Head Coach qualification in October last year, has taken time out of her England commitments to coach Gloucestershire Under-11s and -13s girls teams and has enjoyed passing on her knowledge.
“It has been fantastic to work with Gloucestershire, the girls have been really enthusiastic – even when it comes to helping tidy up at the end of the session,” Wilson said.
“The under 11s are one of the most energetic and confident groups I have worked with. They are a really strong squad and there are some very good individual players in there too.
“I have really enjoyed it and I hope I can continue to work with both squads in the summer.”
With a training schedule which consists of two sessions a week at the ECB National Performance Centre in Loughborough, the former Somerset youngster says her experiences as a player have had a huge influence on her coaching.
“Whatever we have done on a Thursday or Friday at Loughborough normally finds its way into my session the next week in some way or another,” she added.
“It is amazing how with just a few adaptations you can turn an England practice into one that is suitable for under-11s and under-13s.
“I hope my experiences as a player come through in my coaching – even though I don’t think the girls know who I am or who I play for!”
Having learnt her cricket at Bath Cricket Club, head of performance Tim Hancock said Wilson’s involvement was a real boost for Gloucestershire’s young players.
He said: “It is fantastic to have such a positive role model for our young female cricketers. Having met Fran what shone through was her passion for the game and for developing young talent.
“We are very lucky to have her on the programme.”
Source: ECB