Gary Kirsten Foundation secures training for 300 up-and-coming township coaches

Published Apr 15, 2020

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CAPE TOWN – Former South African international cricketer Gary Kirsten, through his Gary Kirsten Foundation (GKF) has invested in a number of up-and-coming cricket coaches to complete an online coaching course.

The far-reaching implications of COVID-19 are still emerging, but it’s clear that, in addition to the health concerns, this pandemic will have a long-lasting financial impact– particularly on the most vulnerable members of society. However, in the midst of this crisis, community-minded organisations are coming together and finding innovative platforms that offer life-altering solutions for individuals. 

CoachED, the newly-launched online cricket coaching accreditation programme, is one such example having proven itself as the perfect platform and product for positive community impact.

The CoachED online education platform will enhance cricketing skills at a community level while providing township coaches with a solid income stream during this particularly challenging economic period. Photo: The Gary Kirsten Foundation

To ensure locally-based coaches benefit from this wealth of cricketing content, the Gary Kirsten Foundation has announced it will invest in 300 CoachED licences for up-and-coming coaches across the country. Developed by a team of internationally-experienced coaches, CoachED provides access to quality cricketing resources, placing newly-accredited coaches at the forefront of the modern game. 

The partnership with GKF will see Gary Kirsten working alongside trusted advisors and coaches to identify 300 sponsorship recipients comprising a mixture of coaching capacities - from those who’ve just started in the system through to those with more experience but without any formal coaching accreditation. 

All the recipients would have displayed an interest in cricket coaching within the townships, having come from disadvantaged communities of South Africa.

The CoachEd and Gary Kirsten Foundation collaboration will upskill South African coaches from previously disadvantaged communities with a quality cricket accreditation. Photo: The Gary Kirsten Foundation

Gary Kirsten, whose extensive coaching career includes that of two national sides and several T20 franchises, said the launch of the innovative CoachED platform is going to empower township coaches in a way that was never before thought possible.

“The sponsorship of these 300 coaching licences is just the starting point of the initiative which aims to give a wider range of coaches an opportunity to upskill their knowledge,” said Kirsten. “Far too often, people are unable to benefit from such cricket skills’ development, for a variety of reasons.

It’s great to have an online version that allows coaches to develop their abilities using cutting-edge techniques and the latest available information to keep ahead of the game.”

The CoachEd and Gary Kirsten Foundation collaboration will upskill South African coaches from previously disadvantaged communities with a quality cricket accreditation. Photo: The Gary Kirsten Foundation

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Cricket Reporter

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