Work to set up the Association started in late 2002 and it became a fully fledged entity, affiliated to the Essex County Cricket Board in March 2003.

The Association assists with coach education development of our Members in compliance with the aims of the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Essex County Cricket Board with whom we work closely and enjoy an excellent relationship.

Membership is open to all professional and recreational coaches who hold a recognised ECB coaching qualification and we currently have approximately 200 paid up members. If you are qualified and are not a member of our Association, please do consider joining us and for a fiver a year, I am sure you will enjoy our activities. Please note that to be covered by insurance for coaching activities, qualified coaches must be members of the ECB Coaches Association. The ECCBCA does not provide any insurance cover.

We launched the Association in late 2002 with a Gala Day held at the County Ground and Graham Gooch, Neil Foster, Peter Such and others supported us on the day with mini workshops. Terry Charrington and Pete Williams led a practical session on skill based games for young cricketers.

Another Coaches Day was held in November 2003 and we were delighted to welcome Will Jefferson who took part in an excellent question and answer session and then joined us for lunch afterwards.

ECB Coaching Workshops were also held to include Net Coaching and a special wicket keeping workshop with input from not only an ex first class wicketkeeper but also a goalkeeping coach. More workshops are planned for 2006 and all will be relevant to the ongoing education and development of our Members.

Considerable changes are taking place in the ECB Level One courses from 1st April 2005. and we will keep Members informed. Our Association is able to bring views and ideas to the ECB Coaches Association via the East Region Forum of the ECB Coaches Association on a regular basis and this is clearly important to all of us involved in the sport in our County.

Further information about the ECCBCA can be obtained from me on 01245 325949 email davepwilson@aol.com or Alan Medley, Secretary on 0208 554 8698 email alanjmedley@aol.com.