Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Camp: – Far Left; Andy Laws (Pro Coach Yorkshire Marketing Manager), Far Right; Mark Lawson (Pro Coach Yorkshire Director of Coaching) with squad members

Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket players are now back in England having completed a successful four (4) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Monday 4^th – Friday 8th April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Andy Laws, Pro Coach Yorkshire Marketing Manager, along with Mark Lawson, Director of Coaching, accompanied eight (8) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2016 season.

Andy Laws, Pro Coach Yorkshire Marketing Manager commented:

“This is now our second visit to Desert Springs. It is fantastic to see the cricket facility go from strength to strength with the addition of further first-class wickets. With friendly knowledgeable staff and superb accommodation Pro Coach will look to offer a third Pre-Season Academy without hesitation!”

‘Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Camp players Nets Practice Session’ at the

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

‘Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Camp Batsman Practice Session’ at the

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Pro Coach Yorkshire players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

 “The food was very good, the accommodation was excellent and the cricket facilities were World-class!” Tom Douglas

“The cricket facilities are world-class. This is my second time here at the resort and I had another amazing week!” Jack Riley

 “The cricket academy has absolutely outstanding facilities which are just perfect for you to get into the mood for the season ahead. The food and accommodation are of the same standard and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay!” Harry Gamble

“The cricket facilities were World-Class. The cricket wickets were perfectly prepared for a fantastic four-days of cricket and I can’t wait to come back!” Harry Dawson

“Five-Star food, facilities and accommodation. I would definitely return and recommend Desert Springs Resort!”  Josh Wood

“The resort accommodation, food and facilities were superb, not to mention the cricket wickets which were prepared so well and I would love to return!” Harry Allinson

 ‘Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Camp Wicket Keeper Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

To view a video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy view: – Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned townhouses normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

Trent College Cricket Squad Members at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

Trent College Cricket players are now back in England having completed a successful four (4) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Monday 4^th – Friday 8th April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Scott Boswell, Trent College Head of Cricket, along with supporting staff David Hartley and Lauren Nicholls accompanied twenty (20) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2016 season.

Scott Boswell, Trent College Head of Cricket commented:

“This is now our second visit to Desert Springs. Desert Springs Resort delivers first class facilities, accommodation and staff. It is an excellent place to bring a cricket tour to bond and develop in a relaxed atmosphere!”

Trent College Cricket Camp players Nets Practice Session at the 

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

Trent College Head of Cricket Scott Boswell (Far Left) with Lauren Nicholls & David Hartley at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Trent College players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

 “Desert Springs is a beautiful resort with awesome facilities and I just can’t wait to return next year!” Charles Livesey

“The cricket academy provides great cricket facilities and perfect preparation for us all for the season ahead!” Tim Wyatt

 “The cricket facilities at the Cricket Academy were brilliant. This has provided a great break from revision for all of us!” Joshua Naylor

“I have really enjoyed the opportunity to play a competitive match against another team during our stay at the resort, this has been a great pre-season training camp!” Tom Naylor

Trent College Cricket squad playing their friendly match at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

To view a video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy view: – Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments and townhouses normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

Bedford School Cricket Club Pre-Season Winter Training Camp at the 

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

Bedford School Cricket players are now back in England having completed a successful four (4) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Monday 04^th March – Thursday 07th April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Gary Steer, Bedford School Director of Cricket, along with two supporting staff, Pip August 1^st XI Assistant Coach and Tom Brett, UISA Coach, accompanied twenty-three (23) players, aged between 14-18 years old, who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2016 season.

Bedford School Director of Cricket, Gary Steer commented:

“Desert Springs Cricket Academy is an excellent facility with such courteous staff who were helpful at all times. Thank you to everyone at Desert Springs!”

‘Bedford School Cricket Club Nets Practice Session’ at the

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Bedford School players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

 “Great facilities and wonderful staff. The nets and square enabled us to have a meaningful and constructive pre-season and it’s just a shame to leave!” Harry Beard 

“The staff at the resort have been so helpful. Great food, and the cricket facilities and golf are ‘crème de la crème!” Tom Blythman 

 “The cricket facilities are superb! This has been a trip I shall never forget!” William Haggar 

To view a video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy view: – Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

2014 World Amateur Team Disabled Golf Champions from Left to Right: Filip Lindkvist, Marcus Malo, Kristoffer Eklund, Joakim Bjorkman, Niklas Viktor, Jonas Andersson, Daniel Stark (Coach)

attending the Winter Training Camp at Desert Springs Resort

The 2014 World Amateur Team Disabled Golf Champions, The Swedish National Amateur Disabled Golf Team, are now back in Sweden having completed a successful seven (7) days of warm weather training between Sunday 27^th & Sunday 3^rd April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

During their time at the resort the players utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Golf Academy and played the Championship Indiana course.

Daniel Stark, Coach to The Swedish National Amateur Disabled Golf Team remarked:

“This was our second visit to Desert Springs Resort and we couldn’t be happier!

The service is sensational and we are looked after so well that it really does feel like home, apart from the weather here which is perfect.

See you next year for sure!”

Squad members commented of their experience at Desert Springs Resort;

“Weather perfect, golf course perfect, food perfect, service perfect, thank you!” Marcos Malo

Another great stay at Desert Springs Resort and we are made to feel so welcome here, see you next year.” Filip Lindkvist

“What a stunning resort, I can’t wait to come back next year!” Niklas Viktor

“Thank you to all of the staff for another wonderful stay!” Kristoffer Eklund

“Fantastic facilities for both practice and play with impeccable service, many thanks!” Joakim Bjorkman

“A real desert experience, so different to winter golf in Sweden!” Jonas Andersson 

Held biannually, The ‘World Amateur Disabled Golf Team Championship’ is a 54-hole stroke play event with rules equivalent to the Eisenhower Trophy, however with the ‘Modification of Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities’. Team Selection and Eligibility decrees that players must be a representative of their countries Disabled Golf Association i.e. Europe- EDGA, USA-NAGA, Canada-CAGA and Japan-CAGA

Physically disabled players selected by their country, with an official Handicap of 11.4 and below (18 and below for women) are eligible to participate. A team consists of four players from each country, with the best three scores each day counting toward the team score. At the completion of 54 holes, the team with the lowest score is declared the Champion.

The players and officials where accommodated in one of the privately owned Country Villas normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in the award-winning El Torrente Restaurant.

Southampton Solent University Cricket Club: – Left to Right Standing; Sam Bracey (Coach), Ollie Blandford, Charlie King, Joe Butcher, Will Steward, Ryan Scott, Richard Lock, Robert Walters, Luke Evans, Jack Bransgrove, Michael Porter, Ryan Murray, Richard Browning (Head Coach), Front kneeling Left, Jake Foley & Right, Kieran Gayle

Southampton Solent University Cricket players are now back in England having completed a successful four (4) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Monday 29^th March – Saturday 2^nd April at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Richard Browning, Southampton Solent University Cricket Club Head Coach, along with two supporting staff, accompanied thirteen (13) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2016 season.

Head Coach, Richard Browning commented:

“Our experience at Desert Springs Resort has allowed us to prepare brilliant ahead of our University season. The boys have worked very hard and have thrived in the fantastic facilities on offer and we will definitely be back!”

Coach, Samuel Bracey remarked of the training camp:

“The great facilities and staff have ensured a successful and enjoyable trip for pre-season!”

‘Southampton Solent University Cricket Club Nets Practice Session’ at the

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

‘Southampton Solent University Cricket Club Batsman Practice Session’ at the

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Southampton Solent University players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

 “A fantastic experience in facilities far superior to most and I would recommend Desert Springs to any team looking to train during the winter. I am looking forward to coming back!” William Steward

“It’s been a fantastic experience here at Desert Springs. The facilities have been outstanding and the lads have really benefitted from the time out here.” Robert Walters

 “The cricket facilities were top draw! The weather and accommodation were great and the staff very helpful.” Ollie Blandford

“Very good, perfect for the cricket and I would definitely return, thanks to all!” Jack Foley

“Great facilities! The staff were excellent and the accommodation clean and comfortable. All in all this has been a great experience, one I would definitely recommend and return in the future.” Kieran Gayle

“It has been really good to get out and train outdoors, thanks for having us!” Richard Lock 

“Great facilities with excellent hospitality. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Desert Springs Resort!” Like Evans

“Brilliant experience! Thoroughly enjoyed my time here and the facilities were excellent and the staff have been extremely helpful!” Ryan Murray

“A very productive tour because of the great cricket facilities and hospitality that was given.” Ryan Scott

‘Southampton Solent University Cricket Club Wicket Keeper Practice Session’ at the

Desert Springs Cricket Academy

To view a video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy view: – Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments & townhouses normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

Durham MCCU: – Back Row From Left: Paul Grayson (Head Coach), Sebastian Stewart-Taylor, Gibson, William Philips, Jamie Monkhouse, Varum Sivaram, Hugo Darby, Eben Kurtz, Luke Mullen, Frederick Davies, Jack Clark, Tim Alexander, Joseph Cooke, William Fraine, Jack Wood, Xavier Owen, Darrell Williams and Gareth Breese (Spin Bowling Coach). Front Row From Left: – Vicram Sohal, Justin Langen, Cameron Steel, Jake Dunford, James McCollum and Edward Pollock

Durham MCCU players are now back in England having completed a successful seven (7) days of warm weather pre-season cricket and fitness training between Saturday 19^th – Friday 25th March at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course with its very own dedicated Cricket Academy, in the Almanzora region of Almeria, Andalucía in south-east Spain.

Paul Grayson, Durham MCCU Head Coach and Gareth Breese, Spin Bowling Coach, accompanied twenty-two (22) players who completed bowling, batting and fielding practice as well as strength and conditioning training sessions as they stepped up their physical preparations for the upcoming 2016 season.

Paul Grayson, a former English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Yorkshire and Essex and following his playing retirement served as Essex's head coach from 2007 to 2015 commented:

“This has been an exceptional week at Desert Springs, it just couldn’t have gone any better!

The service we have received throughout the whole resort has been sensational.

The cricket facilities are top class and exactly what we needed after winter training back in England. 

We look forward to seeing you again in 2017!”

‘Durham MCCU Nets Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

            ‘Durham MCCU Batsman Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The training camp worked on a specific and carefully planned programme covering technical skills, strength and conditioning and both individual and group activity.

Durham MCCU players said of their pre-season training experience at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy:

 “The Desert Springs Cricket Academy has top quality facilities, a special thanks to the groundsmen who looked after them so well. The food and accommodation is also of a great standard, thank you to all of the staff.” Joseph Cooke

“The Cricket Academy provides top facilities to train on, providing a great run into the English cricket season. The resort villas, food and hospitality is excellent and I would highly recommend Desert Springs to all!” Edward Pollock

 “I have had a great week here at Desert Springs! The nets have been brilliant and the hospitality has also been great. The weather and location make it great for any pre-season tour. ” Cameron Steel

“This has been a unique opportunity to develop the team’s cricketing abilities in a relaxed and highly hospitable environment, a very enjoyable week!” Frederick Davies

“Desert Springs provides great facilities, beautiful weather and very friendly and welcoming staff. We have had a very enjoyable week and a perfect pre-season training camp before returning to the cold!” Jack Wood

“This has been a fantastic week of cricket, weather and facilities. The atmosphere was fantastic and I would come back again!” Justin Langen

“A brilliant week! Great accommodation, fantastic facilities and a great atmosphere, thank you!” Jake Dunford

“Great facilities with a great atmosphere to train in before the summer season!” Xavier Owen

Durham MCCU ‘Strength & Conditioning’ Training at the Sierra Sports Club Gym

To view a video of the Desert Springs Cricket Academy view: – Desert Springs Cricket Academy

The players and coaches were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments & townhouses normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining in El Torrente Restaurant.

Two PGA Instructors and one official accompanied ten players from Warwickshire County Golf Union aged between 18 – 44 years for 4-days of warm weather pre-season winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between 23^rd – 27th February.

Stuart Bloxham, Warwickshire County Golf Union Captain remarked;

“We have had a great time.

Desert Springs is a fantastic venue for both practicing and playing. The facilities are superb and it’s a great place to start your season off with.

The staff are very helpful and friendly and I would recommend Desert Springs for any groups coaching venue.”

Tom Whitehouse, Warwickshire County Golf Union PGA Coach commented;

“Desert Springs is a great place for teams to practice, the facilities are great and the food is excellent. It is a great place to learn and maximize your potential.”

Tom Ibbertson, Warwickshire County Golf Union team member, said of his experience at Desert Springs;

“Desert Springs delivers perfect facilities accompanied by a stern test, I can’t wait to come back!”

The players and officials were accommodated in some of the privately owned apartments normally reserved for holidays and short breaks at Desert Springs and the resort’s executive chef was on hand to cater for the special dietary requirements of individual players dining each evening in the ‘El Torrente’ Restaurant.

Seventy (70) full time students accompanied by eleven (11) coaches and staff representing; Millfield, Bradfield, Loretto & Whitgift School, competed in the ‘III Desert Springs & Millfield European Schools Team Championships’ at the Desert Springs Resort between Saturday 14th to Wednesday 17th February 2016.

The Team Championship was open to boys and girls of all ages with a maximum handicap of 24 and was held over 3 days (54-Holes). For tournament day one & two the format was 4 Ball-Better-Ball Pairs Stableford Points. The format for tournament day three was Best Two individual Stableford Points Scores from each team being combined to achieve the Teams accumulative Stabelford score.

“Yet another excellent event. The children have enjoyed the trip very much. Nothing more to add other than that we are very much looking forward to next year!”

That is the verdict of Ryan Scott, PGA Coach for Loretto Golf Academy based at Scotland's leading Scottish private boarding school, set in 85 acres of leafy campus just outside Edinburgh that provides an all-round education for just over 600 boys and girls aged 3-18.

“The event is not only made by the great accommodation and facilities but also the ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude of all of the staff. Thank you for making our stay a real pleasure!”

That was the summary of Neil Kendrick, Head of Cricket and Golf at Whitgift School.

“Thank you for such another brilliant week. Everything was just perfect and the staff looked after us so well. See you next year!”

“Thank you very much for a really enjoyable week. From the pick up in the airport with lunch provided, delicious meals every day. This has been an amazing event, which I would indeed recommend to my friends. A big many thanks too of course to the staff for making all this possible!”

“Everything was perfect except for one thing, the fact that we couldn’t stay any longer. I sincerely thank all the staff for being so friendly from when we arrived to when we leave. This trip was probably the most memorable school trip I will have in a long time.”

Those were the respective views of 17-year old Nikolaj Dahl with a handicap of 3,7 and 16-year old Yannick Artigolle with a handicap of 4, from Loretto Golf Academy.

Millfiled School Winning Team Members Tom Roswell, Louise Caldon, Charlie Goss and Tom Barker

Colin Burgess, Head of Golf at Bradfield College commented:

“We have had a memorable and enjoyable week at Desert Springs. As you will no doubt have noticed, we brought a younger group this year and for many of them this will have been their first Golf Tournament experience. It could not have been a better one; they have much enjoyed being part of the event and have also greatly appreciated the excellent food and accommodation. Everything has run like clockwork and our players have greatly appreciated your support and encouragement both on and off the course.”

Niklas Jakobsen from Team ‘Loretto 1’ Winner of the Best Male Individual Scratch competition

16-year-old Harry Plowman Ollington with a handicap of 1, from Whitgift School remarked:

“Thank you to all the staff for another great week. The course was in fantastic condition. Can’t wait to come back!”

Louise Caldon from Team ‘Millfield 1’ Winner of the Best Female Individual Scratch competition      

Karen Nicholls, Millfield School Director of Golf, commented:

“A very enjoyable trip and always made to feel “at home”. The staff are all very friendly and professionals in their area. Desert Springs is a resort you need to experience!” 

17-year-old Tom Barker with a handicap of 2, from Millfield Golf Academy remarked:

“I live for Desert Springs putting and chipping greens!”

16-year-old Elliot Dawson with a handicap of 5, from Millfield Golf Academy remarked:

“The golf was an entirely unique experience and I have never played a course like it. 

The course layout was perfect for the event. 

The apartment was very warming and we all felt very welcomed by the staff.”

Sam Stones from Team ‘Loretto 6’ Winner of the Best overall individual Stableford points score

Richard King, Golf Elite Programme Manager & PGA Instructor, Paul Johnson Sport Performance & Excellence in Golf Coach and Joanne Ronald, Head of Department for Sport at Hartpury College Golf Academy, accompanied twenty-four students aged between 16 – 18 years for 5-days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between 31^st January & 5^th February.

“Thank you for such a wonderful stay for my family and I.

The service we received throughout the whole resort was superb.

We will definitely be back!

All the best"

Adam Lyth (far right) with his wife, mother & father enjoying some practice at the golf academy