NEW DELHI – Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and English countyMiddlesex are joining forces to launch an academy to teach young girls andboys about the sport, they announced on Wednesday.
The children aged between nine and 14 will be put through a comprehensivecricket curriculum at the “Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy” (TMGA).
There will be several cricket camps beginning at English school MerchantTaylor’s from August 6-9 but then venturing to Mumbai, London and furtherafield.
“The academy will provide young girls and boys between the age of 9 and 14an opportunity to learn from two of the most respected and renownedinstitutions in world cricket — Sachin Tendulkar and Middlesex Cricket,”read a joint statement.
“The comprehensive training curriculum developed by the professionalcoaches at Middlesex and the Master himself will help young and buddingcricketers with various aspects of cricket, including insights intoathletic development, sport psychology, tactical development and technicalmodifications.
“With talent identification at the core of the academy, TMGA will alsoprovide opportunities for talented underprivileged children with 100scholarships available.”
Tendulkar, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time havingaccrued the most runs in international cricket, said the ambition for theacademy was two-fold.
“I am delighted to be partnering with Middlesex Cricket on this newventure,” said the 45-year- old.
“The objective is not only to produce good cricketers but also good globalcitizens of the future.
“Through this association, Middlesex and I are focused on providing thevery best in cricket education, as much as possible, for our students.”
Richard Goatley, chief executive officer of Middlesex, said it had been theculmination of half a year’s collaboration.
“It has been a great privilege over the past six months to work with SachinTendulkar and his team in developing what we believe will be the marketleading coaching programme in the world,” he said.
“Our established academy programme, twinned with the unique insight,knowledge and ability of the most successful cricketer of all time willprovide kids with a unique experience that they will never forget.” -APP/AFP