Durham Cricket and its Foundation are delighted to announce in partnership with Park View Academy of Sport the appointment of Ash Thorpe as the new Head Coach of the Cricket Development Centre.
The Cricket Development Centre will form part of Park View Academy of Sport’s growing portfolio of successful Sport Academies, which has already seen them team up with other professional sporting clubs, including Carlisle United, with the Cricket Development Centre officially launching ahead of the new school term getting back underway this September.
Ash Thorpe will lead the new programme from Emirates Riverside which will see 16-19-year old cricketers, combine academic studies with progression within cricket.
Thorpe who was born in New South Wales, Australia has a wealth of experience within cricket, having played all three formats professionally for Durham between 2002-2003.
While the left-handed batsman has a wide range of knowledge on the club scene in the north east having played at Chester le Street, Eppleton, Whitburn, Sunderland and now Washington Cricket Club in the North East Premier League.
He joins Park View having coached across the globe, with coaching experience with T20 franchise cricket in India and Dubai – furthermore, Thorpe has been involved with the Durham Cricket pathway trials and most recently Durham MCCU, assisting with the best university cricketers at Durham University.
Thorpe said: “I’m thrilled to be appointed in the role and to collaborate with Park View Academy.
“It’s the perfect job, to work with another group of young cricketers develop their game and also other areas of cricket to really make a difference to their clubs and the local community.
“The main focus for the students will be their education and ensuring they meet their academic aspirations. The cricket programme will have a holistic look as sport and the business areas related to it.
“We have a world class facility and an amazing pool of resources, so I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge success.”
For more details on the Cricket Development Centre and to apply, visit Park View Academy of Sport’s website via the link below.