Lisa Keightley, (far left) MCC Team Manager, Jonathan Finch, Head Performance Coach (2nd Left) and Christian Vassallo, Strength and Conditioning Coach (far right), with MCC Women’s Young Cricketers players: Sophie Luff, Alex MacDonald, Hollie Armitage, Jessica Watson, Georgina Holmes, Georgina Hennssy, Stephanie Butler and Carla Rudd.

 

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Young Women’s Cricketers’ players are now back in England having completed a successful 5 days of warm weather fitness and cricket training between 8th – 12th 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.

 

Lisa Keightley, MCC Women’s Young Cricketers Team Manager and her team of three staff accompanied eight 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 2014 season.

 

Lisa Keightley, MCC Team Manager said:

“We have experienced and benefitted from great hospitality, first class quality food and excellent cricket practice facilities here at Desert Springs Resort. The weather in the UK has not been conducive to allowing our players to work on fielding exercises and practice, and that is one area that we have been specifically able to concentrate on here in Spain. We certainly believe that we shall reap the benefits of all that hard work in the coming weeks in our matches to be played! In my opinion the Desert Springs Cricket Academy has the potential to become an extremely sought after world class location for elite cricket training camps.”

 

‘Close Fielding Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

The famous MCC Young Cricketers programme demonstrates the Club's determination to foster new talent and maintain its reputation as the world's most active cricket-playing club.

After benefiting from expert coaching, intensive playing programmes and world-class facilities, many MCC Young Cricketers – both men and women – proceed to enjoy successful careers in county or international cricket.

Notable 'graduates' of the MCC Young Cricketers programme include England's Sir Ian Botham, who notably is a property owner and frequent visitor at Desert Springs Resort, Phil Tufnell, and Australia's Mark Waugh. One in three MCC Young Cricketers go on to sign professional terms with a first-class county.

 

MCC player, 18 year-old Jessica Watson remarked of the Cricket Academy:

“Desert Springs Resort is excellent for a pre-season training camp. The food and attention to detail from the resort staff was excellent, and the Gym had everything we needed for concentrating on our strength and conditioning programme; the wickets played very well and most importantly the additional training facilities at the academy gave us a chance to undertake extensive training sessions on fielding work ahead of the season.”

 

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

 

MCC player, 18 year-old Stephanie Butler remarked of her experience:

Desert Springs provided a great opportunity for our squad to work on specific areas of our game that we could not do back in the UK. We have certainly been put through our paces during this training camp and we are all looking forward to returning soon!”

Our resort accommodation based on 4 sharing two bedroom / two bathroom apartments was by far much better than staying in a conventional hotel with just a bedroom and shower! When not training, the apartments provided us with a haven to return to giving us girls the opportunity to spend some time relaxing together in the apartment lounge, which only strengthens players bonds.”

 

Keep your eye on the ball!

 

Jonathan Finch, MCC Head Performance Coach said: –

“This was the inaugural visit to Desert Springs of the MCC. We had received extremely positive feedback from the players of Lancashire CCC, Sussex CCC and Matt Maynard, all of whom had visited Desert Springs for training camps recently and recommended we do the same. We certainly have not been disappointed in what we have found and experienced here at Desert Springs. The location, training facilities, quality of accommodation and food, attention of the staff and attention to detail to ensure that we benefit from our time here as much as possible has been excellent. The girls have most definitely benefitted from their training camp and we have already requested a quote to return again later this year for numerous training camps with various of our girls’ squads!”

 

'Battledown Golf Society' at Desert Springs Resort
 

'Battledown Golf Society' selected Desert Springs Resort to be host to their annual overseas golf event between 22nd – 25th March for three days of golf, sun & fun!

Twenty-four players were accommodated in a selection of the resorts country villas overlooking the Indiana course to compete over three days tournament play.

‘Battledown Golf Society organiser Matthew Baker commented of their time at the resort:

"The resort, golf course, food, villas and staff are second to none.

A huge THANK YOU to all your amazing staff.

The best service you will get anywhere in the world.

Desert Springs is a must visit for any golf society or golf enthusiast."
 

 
 

Mark Davies (4th from left) Sussex CCC Club Coach with Sussex County Cricket Club players: Lewis Harchett, Ashar Zaidi, Chris Liddle, James Anyon, Steve Magoffin, Jon Lewis & Matthew Hobden.

Sussex County Cricket Club players are now back in England having completed a successful 12 days of warm weather fitness and cricket training between 26th February & 10th 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.

 

Mark Davies, Sussex CCC Coach and his team of two staff accompanied eight 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 2014 season.

 

Mark Davies, Sussex CCC Club Coach said:

“We have experienced and benefitted from great hospitality, top quality food and excellent cricket practice facilities here at Desert Springs Resort. In my opinion the Desert Springs Cricket Academy has the potential to become an extremely sought after location for elite cricket training camps.”

 

‘Spinning Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

‘Batsman Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

‘Batting Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

Sussex CCC player Matthew Hobden remarked of the Cricket Academy:

“Desert Springs Resort is excellent for a pre-season training camp. The food was excellent and the Gym had everything we needed for working out; the wickets played very well and most importantly gave us a chance to get used to bowling on grass in advance of the start of the season!”

 

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

 

Sussex CCC player James Anyon remarked of his experience:

Desert Springs is both a great location and facility for a pre-season winter training camp.

The food and hospitality provided to us all was fantastic and I look forward to returning in the future!”

Dear Ellie,

Thank you so much for our lovely day yesterday. The food, as always, was fantastic and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves

Once again many thanks.

Kind regards,

Iris Hamilton.

 

 
 

Scottish Golf Union Boys & Girls International Squad members during their annual 5-day intensive winter training camp at the 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.

 

Five officials from the Scottish Golf Union accompanied eight boys and nine girls for their annual 5 days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between Monday 10th – Friday 14th February.

“Great facilities that were in excellent condition.

Desert Springs Resort is a great venue to practice your golf all year round!”

That is the verdict of 14-year-old Hazel MacGarvie, one of the Scottish Girls International Squad members.

From Left to Right – Scottish Ladies National Coach Kevin Craggs, Laura Carey, Scottish Golf Union National Performance Coach, Neil Marr & Scottish Performance Development Manager Kevin Cademy Taylor.

 

The training camp utilised the excellent practice facilities at the Desert Springs Golf Academy where the Scottish Golf Union Coaches were able provide one-to-one tuition and take advantage of the use of the Desert Springs short game academy.

 

 

Scottish Golf Union Squad members work on their putting technique at the Short Game Academy.

Scottish Golf Union Squad members work on their chipping technique at the Short Game Academy.

Kevin Craggs, Scottish Golf Union Ladies National Coach commented:

“The SLGA National Coaching Programme is aimed at providing a supporting role that contributes towards the development of team and individual skills, deemed necessary to boost performance standards. This can only be achieved when the learning environment facilitates players and support staff needs. The Desert Springs facility is of high professional and commercial standards, giving players the ideal opportunity and environment to develop their skills.”

 

 

A Scottish Golf Union Girls National Squad member plays their Tee shot on Hole 2 “Gulch” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

 

Murray Naysmith, 16-year-old Scottish Golf Union Boys Squad member remarked of his experience at Desert Springs:

“I really enjoyed playing the Indiana course and using the golf academy practice facilities at Desert Springs because they were both in excellent condition!”

 

 

A Scottish Golf Union Boys National Squad member plays their approach shot on Hole 15 “Abyss” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

A Scottish Golf Union Boys National Squad member plays their Tee shot on Hole 4 “Cinch” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs.

Kevin Cademy Taylor – Scottish Golf Union Performance Development Manager remarked:

“Our Scottish Golf Performance Camp at Desert Springs provided us with access to a top class golf course and facilities we required for an effective delivery of all aspects of Performance Golf. All facilities were in super condition with professional staff on hand at all times with no request being a problem. Their support during the camp really enhanced our experience. I would defiantly return back to Desert Springs, many thanks again for everything.”

 

David Kearney, ILGU Coach (Back Row Centre) with members of the Under 18 & Under 21 Irish Ladies International Squad at Desert Springs during their annual visit to the Desert Springs Resort for their annual 7-day intensive winter training camp.

 

Four officials from the Irish Ladies Golf Union accompanied eleven girls aged between 15 – 20 years for their annual 7 days of warm weather winter training at the Desert Springs Resort between Saturday 15th – Saturday 22nd February.

“Excellent staff and very good food. The Resort provides great facilities and a great golf course. Thanks for everything!”

That is the verdict of 18-year-old Shannon Burke, one of the Irish Ladies Golf Union International Squad members. 
 

An ILGU Squad member works on their putting technique at the Short Game Academy
 

ILGU Squad members work on their bunker play technique at the Short Game Academy

On his return visit to Desert Springs, David Kearney, ILGU Coach commented:

“The academy practice facilities were perfect for our training and practice needs and The Indiana course was in very good shape.  As we have become accustomed, both the girls and all of the coaches were very well looked after by all of the staff.

Thanks once again for everything!”

An ILGU Squad member plays their approach shot on Hole 4 “Cinch” on the Indiana course at Desert Springs, 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.

Naimh Ward, 17-year-old ILGU Squad member remarked of her experience at Desert Springs:

“I really enjoyed playing the Indiana course and it was in fabulous condition. The resort has great practice facilities that enable us to work on our games.

The staff were excellent and the food was great.”

Fellow ILGU Squad member, 19-year-old Chloe Ryan commented:

“The staff throughout the resort were very friendly and helpful all through the week, and I really enjoyed the food.

Thanks so much for all of your help and keep up the good work!”

 

 

Far Left Matthew Maynard (Coach) & Far Right Dean Conway (Physiotherapist) with Tom Maynard Trust players: Andy Carter (Nottinghamshire), Tom Curran (Surrey), George Edwards (Surrey), Cameron Herring (Gloucestershire), Greg Holmes (Glamorgan), Fynn Hudson-Prentice (Sussex), Rob Keogh (Sussex), Mattie McKiernan (Lancashire), Dewi Penryhn-Jones (Glamorgan), Aaron Thomas (Warwickshire) & Jon Webb (Warwickshire)

 
The first intake for the new Tom Maynard Academy, comprising eleven professional cricketers from nine of the UK’s first class counties, accompanied by seven supporting staff are now back in England having completed a successful nine days of warm weather fitness and cricket training between 13th – 21st February at Desert Springs Resort, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort, championship desert golf course and dedicated Cricket Academy in the Almanzora region of Almeria in south-east Spain.

 

‘Net Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

 

Matthew Maynard headed the delivery of the programme.  Former Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and Australia all-rounder Ian Harvey and Head of Elite Coach Development at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Gordon Lord, were among those delivering specialist sessions to the players; and former England Head Physiotherapist, Dean Conway, oversaw the fitness and physical work of the players whilst at Desert Springs.

 

 

‘Throwing at the Stumps’ training session

 

Matthew Maynard remarked of the Cricket Academy:

“The first thing to say is that we had a really fabulous group to work with.  Eleven lads, drawn from eight of the first class counties: a real mix of characters and personalities, with ages ranging from 16 through to mid-20s.  Sitting here, on the morning of day five, it’s clear that the players have bonded and there is a wonderful camaraderie within from the group.  Work has been hard, both in the nets and away from them on the various fitness programmes, with the odd fierce bouncer, but the spirit is excellent, and there has been plenty of time for relaxation.  The laughter has grown steadily louder and become more prolonged as the week has gone on."

 

‘Bowling Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy

"The support we’ve had on the ground has been absolutely brilliant.  Desert Springs is a great place to seclude yourselves away as a group.  The resort has everything we need, the facilities are very good and the food has been great.  There hasn’t been one complaint.  Not even a grumble."

 

In addition to the net sessions, there was a heavy emphasis on fielding. 

 

"Desert Springs Resort Superintendent, Anthony Brooks and his team had been working on the new grass nets for several months and with Sussex County Cricket Club due out for pre-season training next week, the Academy players were effectively christening them and giving everything a bit of a dry run.

 

The surfaces played well enough.  In fact the facilities, with so much space for fielding, room for kit, bowling machine and pretty much all you’d need for a small group practicing outdoors for the first time that year, were close to spot on.  No question of there being any need to look elsewhere for 2015, everything we need for a group of cricketers working outdoors early in the year is right here.”

 

‘Batting Practice Session’ at the Desert Springs Cricket Academy