Durham’s Academy cricketers were recently involved in a workshop with The Professional Cricketers’ Association around contract advice and the negotiation service able to first-class academy players.
The PCA revolutionised players’ rights when the association was established in 1967 and has evolved to support individual members with their personal contracts with clear and comprehensive contractual support, highlighted as one of two core activities for the PCA, alongside the Personal Development and Welfare Programme.
The PCA contract advice and negotiator service was grown on a more formal basis in recent years and in May 2017 the PCA appointed Rich Hudson as Player Contracts Advisor to dedicate a full-time resource to support player needs.
In a first for the PCA, 15 first-class academies have received a contracts and agents workshop with all counties set to be educated by the end of the summer.
Ross Greenwell currently plays in the Club’s Academy side & after experiencing the work of the PCA for the first time he believes these kind of workshops are “extremely helpful” as they look to forge a future in the professional game.
“These sessions are all about learning. When you haven’t signed anything before it’s difficult because you don’t have that knowledge and experience,” said Greenwell.
“I’m hoping to sign one soon so knowing what is out there and what I need to look out for is very helpful.”
John Windows, Academy Director at Durham, was part of the session held at Emirates Riverside where 21 academy players were present.
Windows, who has seen stars such as Ben Stokes and Mark Wood progress through Durham Academy, understands the importance of educating the young players and believes the PCA play a vital part in this process.
“The PCA plays a crucial role in giving impartial advice as they always focus on looking after the best interests of the player,” said Windows.
“I’m sure the lads will leave the room with a lot more knowledge, understanding and background to the whole process of signing contracts.”
“The PCA covered all the areas you would want covering as a Director.”