Kent Regional Development Pathway

The KRDP aims to enhance the cricketing talent within Kent. It focuses on creating structured and localised programmes to nurture young players, particularly before they enter the formal County Age Group (CAG) phase. This initiative promotes inclusivity and aligns with the Kent Talent Development Framework and recommendations from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC)​​.

The KRDP is structured into five regional performance hubs. These hubs are designed to reduce travel requirements and make the programme more accessible across Kent​​.

Kent North: Delivered by Topsport and Invicta Coaching

Kent South: Delivered by Invicta Coaching

Kent East: Delivered by Kent Cricket

Kent West: Delivered by Topsport and Gritsport

Kent Central: Delivered by Calypso Cricket

• Age Groups will be U11, U12, U13, U14 and U15 – With a view to expanding down to U10s for 2025-26
• Maximum 20 player squad per age group
• Kent age group players will not be eligible to play in the Regional programme
• Each region will have a Regional Manager who will oversee delivery, scouting and compliance with minimum standards though each phase

Franchises are responsible for:

• Delivering the programme according to the provided curriculum.
• Providing high-quality coaches (preferably ECB Level 2 or higher).
• Delivering training sessions that cover both traditional and innovative cricket skills.
• Conducting regular player reviews and developing personalised performance development plans (PDPs).
• Integrating specialised sessions to enhance fielding skills and game intelligence​​.
• Providing the link between the Area and KRDP.

Kent Cricket provides oversight, resources, and strategic guidance. This includes appointing regional managers, funding venue hire, supplying coaching and developing a central curriculum, along with organising finals week at Kent’s First Class venues​​.

• Observation Phase (August – September):
  • Each region conducts at least 2 sessions per age group for initial talent identification.
  • Focuses on engaging state schools to encourage trial participation.
• Winter Coaching Phase (October – March):
  • Provides 30 hours of indoor training and online sessions covering strength and conditioning, psychology, and nutrition.
• Summer Cricket Phase (April – July):
  • Offers at least 8 match-play or scenario-based opportunities per age group.
  • Includes various match formats and specialised fielding sessions​​.

• Under 10/11: 2 x T10 matches per day and a 35-over reverse fixture, with a final in August.
• Under 12/13: 1 x T20 and 1 x T10 match per day, a 40/45-over reverse fixture, and a final in August.
• Under 14/15: 2 x T20 matches per day, a 45/50-over reverse fixture, and a final in August​​.

The KRDP aims to enhance players’ comprehensive understanding of cricket skills and game awareness, ensuring they are well-prepared for higher competition levels. It also promotes inclusivity and accessibility while systematically identifying and nurturing young talent​​.

• Step 1: Join a Local Club, School Team or Area Programme
  • Start playing cricket at your school or a local cricket club. This is where you’ll begin to develop your skills and love for the game.
  • The Area Programme is the first stage where you get noticed. It’s run by local franchises and involves open trials and regular coaching sessions.
• Step 2: Attend Open Trials for the KRDP
  • Each year, open trials will be held for the KRDP. These trials are the gateway to joining the regional squads.
• Step 3: Get Selected for the Regional Squad
  • If you perform well in the trials, you might be selected for your regional squad. You’ll then receive advanced coaching and participate in match-play opportunities.
• Step 4: Perform in Regional Competitions
  • Show your skills in regional competitions and festivals. Scouts from Kent Cricket will be watching!
• Step 5: Progress to County Age Groups (CAG)
  • If you excel in the KRDP, you may be invited to trials for the County Age Groups, where you’ll play at a higher level and get closer to representing Kent.

Your route to playing for Kent Cricket follows these main steps:

• Start at the Grassroots Level: Play cricket at your school or local club.
• Join the Area Programme: Attend open trials and participate in the Area Programme.
• Enter the KRDP: Perform well in trials to join the KRDP and receive focused training.
• Compete in Regional Matches: Play in regional matches and festivals to showcase your talent.
• Join the County Age Groups (CAG): Advance to the CAG and represent Kent in various competitions.

This pathway is designed to develop your skills and give you the best chance to play for Kent.

• Area Programme:
  • Local and Accessible: The Area Programme is run locally and is where most young players start. It’s designed to introduce you to more structured cricket training and matches.
  • Open Trials: The programme includes open trials, where players are selected to join the Area teams.
  • Regular Coaching: You receive regular coaching from local coaches.
  • Kent Cricket Regional Development Pathway (KRDP):
    • Advanced Training: The KCRDP is for players who have shown potential in the Area Programme. It is the first step on the performance pathway offering more advanced and intensive training.
    • Regional Focus: The KRDP is organised into five regions, each with its own performance hub and specialised coaching staff.
    • Direct Route to County Level: Players in the KRDP are closer to being selected for the County Age Groups (CAG) and have a direct pathway to playing for Kent.

The KRDP caters to young players from U11 to U15. In the next two years, they plan to include U10s as well. Here are the current age groups:

• U11
• U12
• U13
• U14
• U15

Each age group has a maximum of 20 players, ensuring focused attention and development opportunities.

In the KRDP, you can expect:

• Winter Training: Around 30 hours of indoor training sessions during the winter months.
• Summer Cricket: Match-play opportunities during the summer, with a minimum of 8 matches or scenarios.
• Special Sessions: Additional sessions focusing on fielding, strength, conditioning, and game strategy.

This training schedule is designed to maximise your development throughout the year.

In the KRDP, you’ll play various formats, including:

• T10 Matches
• T20 Matches
• 30 to 50 Over Matches

You’ll get to experience different game scenarios, helping you develop a wide range of skills suitable for all forms of cricket.

If you don’t get selected for the KRDP or CAG:

• Re-join the Area Programme: You’ll continue playing and developing in the Area Programme, and you can try again next year.
• Feedback and Improvement: You’ll receive feedback on areas to improve, which you can work on with your local coaches.
• Opportunities to Re-Enter: There are multiple entry points throughout the year, so keep improving and you might get another chance!

Remember, not getting selected is just part of the journey. Keep playing, learning, and enjoying cricket!

In the KRDP, you’ll be coached by experienced and qualified coaches:

• ECB Level 2 and Above: Coaches typically hold ECB Level 2 or higher qualifications.
• Specialist Coaches: You may also get coaching from specialists in areas like batting, bowling, fielding, and conditioning.
• Regional Managers: Each region has a manager who oversees the programme and ensures high standards of coaching and development.

These coaches are there to help you become the best cricketer you can be.