We recently caught up with Jess Beach, our cricket co-ordinator, to answer a few questions for our new "Meet the team" series.
Warming up for the Rapids
What are your favourite sports?
Cricket, Rugby, Dodgeball and Netball
How long have you been coaching for & when did you realise you wanted to start a coaching career?
I have been coaching for almost 10 years now. I started to realise I could have a career in coaching when I first started coaching for Worcestershire Cricket Board, starting with Holiday Cricket Camps and the Chance to Shine programme in schools which then progressed to being asked to support on the Worcestershire's Girls County Pathway. After finishing a degree in Sport and Exercise Science during Covid, I found myself wondering what career I could get into where a lot of the world had shut down. I worked in a school for a year supporting children with a range of subjects which made me realise I wanted to focus on sports and Physical Education. That's when I found AU!!
Batting for Astwood Bank CC
What is it like to play for Worcestershire Rapids and what is your best achievement for them?
It is such a huge honour to play cricket for Worcestershire Rapids. I feel so proud to wear the Rapids badge and to represent the county. Playing 100 games for the Worcestershire Women's Rapids across both T20 and 50 over formats has to be my biggest achievement to date.
What does your role involve being a pathway coach for Worcestershire?
I have been the Lead Coach for the Under 11 Girls squad for the last 4 years and have now taken on the role as the Under 13's Lead Coach. This role involves a very extensive winter training programme requiring planning and leading training sessions. I also support the other age group training sessions. Throughout the summer, I select squads, lead game day preparations, and offer coaching advice during games. A County Pathway Coach has a major role in developing individual talented players in all aspects of the game.
Coaching for the AU at the Monday evening Academy sessions
What are your thoughts about the expansion of the women's game in recent years? What changes have you noticed?
Firstly the standard of cricket over the last few years has increased massively in the women's game and it's incredible to see. When I first started playing cricket for Worcestershire Women's Rapids back in 2013, we played in whites and played all types of cricket, T20 and 50 overs, with a red ball. This has progressed to playing in coloured kit with a white ball in line with county men's teams. We, as players, had to put a lot of money into playing for our county, for kit, training, and match fees. Over the last couple of years this has been completely removed for us and have also had travel expenses covered for game days so we are not out of pocket playing for our county. There are still some huge changes to come over the next few years which will be really exciting.
Best advice for young players ?
I would always say train hard, don't be afraid to learn new skills, you will fail at times and that is okay, but always remember why you love to play the game!
What do you enjoy when not coaching?
When not coaching I enjoy playing cricket, cooking, and going away with my husband and dog!!
Join Jess at her Half-term Cricket Camp at Alcester Grammar School. Book today here !
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