Up for the challenge

Having been involved in cricket for more than 50 years, Grant, 66, now coaches at Princetown and Marshall cricket clubs.

After renewing his Community Coach accreditation 18 months ago, Grant decided to extend his skills and challenge himself by attending the week-long Representative course.

“The course was very informative, challenging, down to earth and believable,” Grant said.

“My ability to coach has gone up five levels and I have already started to implement actions.”

Throughout the week, the course covered a range of practical and theoretical sessions including batting, bowling and mental skills.

“For me, I found that the OHS component was very effective and something that all clubs should hear more about it,” Grant said.

The Representative course also boasted a range of presenters including Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers coaches Greg Shipperd and Simon Helmot.

“I’ve already been to four or five sessions with Greg and Simon and if they had another sessions running next week I would definitely be there,” Grant said.

“They are both enthusiastic and make you want to learn.”

Currently playing over-60s cricket for Geelong, Grant notes that cricket allows people of all ages to participate in all areas of the game.

“What other sport in the world could you play, travel and coach in at any age,” Grant said.

The veteran cricketer, along with his 22 fellow coaches that participated in the course, will now have to complete a workbook with a season planner as well as conducting a training session that is observed by Cricket Victoria staff to become an accredited Representative Coach.