There is always a buzz in Perth throughout the cricket season.  Cricket is Australia’s national game and with a climate conducive to the game it is at the forefront of everyone's mind.

With touring sides visiting Perth, Pura Cup games and ING day nighters there is always plenty of activity at the WACA.  ACE Cricket Coaching has a high profile in Perth and is often invited to behind the scenes cricket activity. There have been many exciting and often unplanned moments since the Academy began which all leave with us special and awesome memories.

Highlights 2003/4

Highlights from the 2003/4 season would have to include Mathew Hayden record test score 380, the Australia v India one dayer and the Warriors ING Cup Triumph. ACE was invited to observe the private coaching session with the West Coast Eagles AFL team and a 'behind closed doors' fitness session for the Indian Test Team.  We were asked by John Wright, the coach of the Indian Test Team to provide bowlers for the afternoon’s net session prior to them facing Australia in a one day international. One of the Pakistani test bowlers joined our morning nets session at James Oval together with a number of English County cricketers. 

Highlights 2004/5

The 2004/5 season was just a memorable season for our ACE young cricketers. Watching Shoib Akhetar ‘steaming in on a fast, bouncy WACA wicket’ on the first morning of the test match in Perth is the first that comes to mind.  The day nighters and one day internationals are always great occasions, especially for UK visitors.  The balmy evening atmosphere and spectacular contrast between a WACA ground bathed in brilliant flood light to the total darkness up above from the night sky from the top of the grandstand will live in the memory bank for ever.  The first twenty 2o, a total sell out, will long be remembered for a ‘savage’ attack on Shane Warne’s bowling and an atmosphere more suited to a bull ring than a cricket ground.  The club competition in Perth was again fascinating.  The chance to see Test players on the local oval on a Saturday afternoon is always exciting.

From the ACE perspective, a private BBQ with Ricky Ponting and Ian Blackwell at the Thackers Family home gave the ACE Academy lads plenty to write home about!  During the 10 week ACE Adventure programme the nets were frequented by Ian Blackwell, who had a 3 week stint with the ACE coaching team together with James Foster.  During the fitness sessions the ACE Academy lads were joined in the boxing circuits and in the gym by Justin Langer and numerous county cricketers enjoying the benefits of working and playing in Perth during the UK winter.

Highlights 2005/6

The 2006 ACE Adventure brought together lads from the UK, America, Australia and Pakistan.  This gave the programme a real cosmopolitan feel. Perhaps the best aspect was the sharing of different cultures and credit must go to all the 14 lads who made the whole 10 week experience a huge success; with friendships being made for life. All the hard work had definitely paid dividends as the young cricketers respond with positive feedback after the first few weeks of the English season.

Highlights would have to be an afternoon with Shaun Pollock.  Shaun shared his Christian faith with us before giving a classroom ‘master class’ on batting/bowling techniques along with many dressing room stories!  ACE hosted a number of matches against touring teams from UAE.  Tough games against mainly Pakistan opponents ensured that these games would remain in the memory for a long time and proved a marvellous learning experience.

Away from the cricket the ACE lads were welcomed into a closed training session with the Sth Africa Super 14’s Rugby Team ‘The Bulls’ – what an experience -  to see world class athletes train at such close quarters ‘opened eyes’. All in all a super 10 weeks.

Excitement and interest abounds for the next two 06/07 ACE Adventures and that little matter of The Ashes!

Highlights 2006/7

ACE started early for our 2006/7 season thereby setting a precedence for future years. September saw the first of our arrivals and before Christmas we had cricketers from the UK, India and the West Indies.  ACE secured ‘best seats in the house’ at the WACA for the Perth Test.  How can something so painful have been so enjoyable?  The ACE Academy witnessed a thrilling 5 days; cricket at its best.  Gilchrist thrilling 100, Monty and Cookie giving us some hope, the Barmy Army in full voice and weather in December to die for. 

After a busy Christmas period where a number of lads from England ‘popped’ over for a cricket holiday, the 10 week programme began.  Cricketers from England, Scotland and India combined along with hard work, sweat and dedication and many laughs to make the ACE Adventure 2007 a huge success. We had numerous Academy games, some against a Sth African touring side, who were taking part in our ACE on Tour programme.  Adam Gilchrist joined some of our boxing sessions; we shared nets with Middlesex County Cricket Club on their pre-season trip to Perth and spent some time with the England Academy.  Again numerous county cricketers trained with us at Steve Smith’s gym.  As is usual now we also spent time surfing and relaxing on the beach. Congratulations to Chris Sandbach who was with us 2 years ago on making his first class debut; a just reward to lots of hard work. As so the Academy rolls on and already I am excited about working with the young cricketers are already planning us for the 2007/8 season.

Highlights 2007/8

The 2007/08 season followed a similar pattern to last year. An early October start saw some cricketers with us until the end of March 2008. The lads who were here for nearly 6 months developed fantastic relationship with their club sides and team mates; a number of them winning championship medals.

Being at the ACE Academy for the full season enabled them to relax into the lifestyle of being a full time cricketer. All the lads who attended the Academy whether for a period of 6 months or 6 weeks made great improvements both technically and physically. It was one of the hottest summers on record ensuring the lads were stretched physically and needed to become mentally tougher to cope with the heat downunder!

There were times when Australian legends Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist trained with the ACE lads. Damien Martyn and a number of English County players also trained at Aspire Gym alongside the ACE cricketers. How willing would you be to step in the boxing ring with Justin Langer? This was a decision some of the ACE boys had to make; it was an unforgettable experience for those brave enough to take it on!

The ACE Academy had a 'full on' season. Being invited to spend 2 days with the Indian Test Team at the WACA was an experience nobody will ever forget. Netting and chatting with the likes of Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, etc made for a fantastic 2 days.

Some of the lads were invited to practice sessions with the Sri Lankan one day squad; again working with these guys was a fantastic learning experience. At these nets one of the Academy bowlers was ‘spotted’ and invited for trials at Kent CCC. (He has since been offered a 2nd team contract for the season).

Leisure time is important and a handful of Academy cricketers snatched an opportunity for a surfing weekend with a dedicated to coach to enjoy some vital rest and relaxation. With friendships forged through working hard together and have a lot of fun another season fly by.

Looking back on previous Academy cricketers it has been great to see Lucas Carlisle make his first class debut with Durham University; it is good to see a number of former ACE lads play minor counties cricket.

Highlights 2008/9

The ACE 2008/09 season started early October with 14 cricketers arriving for the Perth summer. Almost all parts of the British Isles were represented along with South Africa, New Zealand and India.

The lads soon formed close friendships and gelled into a tight knit group. The coaching team started work immediately with the lads and James Oval was soon alive with nets, fielding drills, batting and bowling, 1:1 sessions along with fitness games.

The addition of Surrey's Stewie Walters to the coaching team brought a new and fresh dimension to the sessions. Stewie spent the summer with the cricketers, coaching, cajoling, encouraging and always giving relevant insight of today?s modern county game. Has a nicer guy played first class cricket? We wish him every success for the English season and look forward to having him back with us in 2009/10.

Along with Stewie came the new Sussex Captain Mike Yardy. Mike was playing club cricket in Perth and joined the coaching team. He too made a great contribution and added significantly to the lads enjoyment and understanding of the modern game.

Feedback from the Academy cricketers now back 'home' is ...

"Watching Mike and Stewi on Sky, can't believe we had the whole summer with them!"

Another huge plus this year were the regular boxing sessions with Justin Langer. Justin worked the lads really hard, concentrating not only on fitness but overcoming adversity and ?beating the odds?. One or two ACE lads can truly say they were ?slapped by the Aussie great and also landed the odd punch back!

The ACE Academy played various matches amongst local opposition. World War 3 never broke out but at times Anglo Aussie relations were strained a little. All the ACE lads played club cricket at weekends; most were involved in Under 21?s games and played alternate Sundays. It so happened that the final round of matches pitted 8 ACE lads in the same game. That certainly made that Sunday afternoon interesting; especially when a member of the Thacker family chipped in with a few runs and wickets. It made for conversation at future 'Thacker pool parties' - quite lively, but always humorous and in good heart.

Sth Africa came to Perth and conquered. If you recall then chased a record 4th innings total and won easily. Due to Mike Rindel (ACE Coach) SA connections ACE spent a good deal of time with the Sth African Test side. A great bunch of guys.

Sky TV flew over from London, Charles Coalville et al, to interview Bob Massie. The idea is to show, during the lunchtime each day of the Lords Test, an interview with an Aussie cricketer who has made a significant contribution to an Ashes Test at Lords. Bob was interview at James Oval, whilst the Academy was in full swing. It was a great experience for all of us to be filmed by, and see Sky in full working mode. We are all very keen to see the finished footage as it hits the airwaves.

The 3 week Christmas Holiday break was well spent with many Academy cricketers being joined by their families. Some went off to explore more of Australia whilst others chose to enjoy some lazy time around the beaches of Perth. The Thacker Family welcomed Academy boys into their home for the day. A trip to the beach on the 25th is tradition in Australia as is a game of back yard cricket! An valuable opportunity to rest and recharge for the after Christmas programme.

ACE cn claim an input into the IPL. Steve Smith, ACE fitness coach, was the guy taken out to keep the Deccan Chargers in shape. As we now know they won it!! Well Done Smithy, looking forward to you telling us all about it.

So, a full year. A fantastic and enjoyable time. An amazing group of lads to work with. Can?t wait for October 2009/10 and start it all again.

Highlights 2009/10

Another remarkable six months with friendships and memories secured that will last a lifetime. The speed at which the Academy cricketers gel is always a highlight and the great camaraderie shared. There must have been a thousand times when we laughed at each other, ourselves and together. The whole ACE experience was enhanced by having Stewi Walters with the coaching team on a full time basis. Stewi was always 'up for it' whether it be 'throw downs', fielding drills or coaching. His passion and work ethic for this great game was reflected in all he did; he sets fine example for the Academy cricketers. The lads worked with ease with Stewi and enjoyed the opportunity to get to know him whilst moving around in the 'battle bus' or having fun in the ocean. Stewi brought along his Surrey team mate Matt Spriegel. Spriegs became an ACE 'legend' working with the spinners. Luke Evans from Durham CCC joined the Academy to bowl at the Academy under the watchful eye of Bob Massie; it was an eye opener for our lads to observe the effort required to play county cricket. To see 'Stewi with the bat' and 'Luke with the ball' going at each other like two prize fighters will be something we will all remember.

The sessions at Smithy's gym were enhanced by the number of celebrity appearances of Australian Test Cricketers and regular county pros; Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer being the most regular. The ACE lads earned the respect of these two guys by the hard yards they put in over the six month period.

An exciting opportunity for the Academy boys was the involvement in a research exercise at the University of Western Australia. UWA are investigating physical fatigue in prolonged batting innings. The research involved carrying out a 2 hour batting simulation (BATEX) incorporating PitchVision™ technology. The BATEX simulation involves running between the wickets, concentration and skill assessment. It is a useful training tool that helps you learn how to bat for a long time - certainly an experience the ACE participants will not quickly forget!

Another highlight was watching one of the most remarkable test centuries of all time when Chris Gayle teed off at the WACA. With far too many highlights to mention, and what was once a highlight now the norm, we at the ACE Academy are already excited about the forthcoming season.

Highlights 2010/11

2010/11 will long be remembered for England winning an Ashes series in Australia. Some 9 young cricketers from the UK were lucky enough to have been at the ACE Academy to watch while history was being made. To be fair to the other 5 cricketers with us from South Africa, Kenya, Ireland and India also seemed to bask in the reflected glory that was the Ashes season.

It was interesting when Ireland beat England in the World cup. A memorable few days especially for Robin from Ireland who ensured everyone within a 200 yard radius were constantly reminded of Irelands fantastic win !! It said a great deal about the closeness of the group that it was all taken in good spirit.

During the season ACE were asked to represent the University of WA against the South African Universities XI. ACE prevailed in the 2 day game, and to be fair enjoyed the side being strengthened by the inclusion of Stew Walters (Glamorgan), Mat Spriegel (Surrey) and the first England player to turn out for ACE in Chris Schofield. Other results
against sides from WA were mixed. (The author of this piece and Academy Director feels it would be inappropriate to mention his memorable runout while fielding as a sub during an Academy game!).

Loz Houghton from UWA, again coordinated various fitness tests and put the lads through their paces with his batex system.

Some lads had the opportunity to have a boxing session with Justin Langer, and one highlight was watching Langer put David Warner through his paces in the ring.

Christmas was a quiet time this year, all the lads either went exploring Oz or were joined by their mums and dads. It was great to reconvene in early January and catch up with all the news and get back to work.

Currie Hall looked after the lads fantastically well once again. The atmosphere and ethos always welcoming. Added to that the food was even better than previous years.

Suffice to say the coaches could be found in the dinning room with the lads most lunch times, some coaches ate more than others ....... enough said !!

Special mention must be made of Freddie Van Den Burgh. On his return to Surrey, he made his first class debut, secured a three year contract and had his photo in virtually every daily national newspaper bowling his slow left arm to an (at the time) out of form Kevin Peterson. Well done Freddie, hard graft paid dividends.

A number of lads enjoyed a fair deal of success playing club cricket, and represented their clubs in finals (always a big deal in WA). Interesting to see Freddie battling it out in a cup semi final against my own 16 year old son. As an intense a 2 days cricket as if the Ashes depended on it.

Perth is a beautiful city, we happen to think the game of cricket was invented to be played in Perth. However Perth is an extremely expensive place to live and visit, despite the strength of the aussie dollar and high cost of living, each of the ACE cricketers believed they had VFM (value for money).