Latest from the Pathway
The Somerset Pathway continues to go from strength to strength, with a number of exciting developments taking place since the start of the winter.
Earlier this week, Head of Pathway Coaching, Andrew Griffiths spoke about the progress being made across the programme and highlighted several key areas of growth.
One of the most significant developments has been the appointment of Karla Rose as Girls Youth Development Phase and EPP Lead, a role of huge importance not only in Somerset but also across the wider South West.
“One of the most exciting things at the start of the winter was Karla Rose coming to join us,” said Griffiths. “Karla oversees our Under 13 to Under 15 squads, as well as working with high-potential players across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. We’re delighted to have found someone with her energy to create positive change for girls’ cricket across the Southwest.”
Karla arrives from the Somerset Cricket Foundation, where she worked as a Community Coach, and brings with her extensive experience within the Pathway. A former Somerset Women representative, she has both played and coached at Taunton Deane Cricket Club. In addition, her experience representing Cornwall adds further regional insight to her role.
“We’ve been working hard to be well aligned and connected across boys’ and girls’ cricket throughout the programme, from the Foundation Phase, through the Youth Development Phase and into the Senior Development Phase,” Griffiths explained.
“Having someone in the role has allowed us to strengthen that alignment and connection, as well as develop the quality of what we deliver throughout the programme. I’m really excited about what that means moving forward.”
Griffiths also highlighted encouraging progress regarding player progression and development.
“We’re starting to see more players transitioning between groups,” he said. “That might be players moving from Wyvern squads into County Age Group squads, which was one of the key reasons behind introducing the Wyvern set-up in the first place. Players develop at different rates, and this allows us to continue supporting more players throughout their journey.”
He also praised the impact of the work being done within the State School and MCC Foundation programmes.
“The work that Tilly Bond and Thom Bunker are doing is fantastic, and we have seen an increase in the number of players entering the Pathway through the MCC Foundation that they lead.”
Looking ahead, Griffiths believes the Pathway is now well positioned for continued success.
“I think we’re in a great place from a staffing perspective, which puts us in an exciting position moving forward,” he said. “That also includes the sports science and medicine side of the Club. The growing level of support we’re able to provide our young players is excellent. The team are fantastic at what they do, and there is a lot of ambition around what we can continue to offer.”
