HIGH PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS
WA Cricket’s High Performance programs are designed to provide the State’s aspiring cricketers with a clear pathway from grass roots to the elite level through the provision of progressive development opportunities within a high quality environment.
PATHWAY PROGRAMS
Overview
WA Cricket (WAC) High Performance Pathway Programs provide systematic long term development opportunities for identified cricketers, preparing them for a successful transition to WA Men’s and WA Women’s teams.
The tiered pathways model is mirrored across Male and Female programs and includes comprehensive Academy and Youth Academy squad programs, with underpinning Development Programs.
On-field training programs encompass skill progression, physical development, match experience and tactical knowledge. Off-field programs for player development focus on the progression of high-performance sport attributes, behaviours & knowledge, mental skills, leadership, character and general life-skills.
Program servicing includes support across medical, physiotherapy, dietician, physical performance, player development & performance analysis disciplines, with the extent of resourcing for each program depending on WAC capacity and player development needs.
Academy & Youth Academy Squad Structures
Academy and Youth Academy programs operate in 2 main blocks across Winter (July-September) & Summer (January-March) periods. Small squad numbers enable a tailored approach through optimal coach: player ratios, plus suitable levels of off-field resourcing & access to Sport Science Sport Medicine (SSSM) services. An overlay of individual support, monitoring and management for each player is also provided.
Development Programs
Development programs connect young talented Premier Cricket players to the WAC pathway, providing them with a positive ‘next level’ experience within WAC environments. WAC coaching staff using these activities to identify emerging talent. Touch points include talent carnivals, zone & talent matches, skill specific training sessions & workshops and Premier Cricket club training visits.
UNDERAGE STATE TEAMS
Male & Female Underage State Team Programs
WAC conducts State Team programs for Male U19s & U17s, and Female U19s & U16s to prepare players and teams for the annual National Underage Championships.
Underage state team programs run for total periods of between 8-12 weeks, with WAC Academy & Youth Academy programs pausing during this time to allow players to focus on preparation for performance at National Championships.
Squads of between 16-18 players are selected initially, then reduced to travelling team size closer to departure.
WAC coaching staff lead each team, with assistant coaches from Premier Cricket providing specialist expertise.
State team program servicing includes support across medical, physiotherapy, dietician, physical performance, player development & performance analysis disciplines, with the extent of resourcing for each program depending on WAC capacity and player development needs.
Selection Process
The selection conduit to WAC Pathways Programs and Underage State Teams is via the WA Premier Cricket club network and Premier Cricket competition.
WAC talent development staff take into consideration match and training performances, club player ratings and coach recommendations when determining selections to Pathways Programs and invitations to trial for underage state teams.