ACE student thrives on High Performance Program
Posted on 15th March 2024 at 09:06
As The R66T Academy 2023/24 High Performance Program comes to an end this week, our players have been continuing to work tirelessly under Head Coach Shaun Seigert and his team. The improvement in every single player - physically, technically and tactically - is clear to see.
This season, we have welcomed players from all round the globe. Aspiring professionals from India, South Africa, England and beyond arrived in Adelaide, Australia, looking to take their game to the next level.
Thanks to the support of our partner, The Barmy Army - who raised vital funds through auctions, raffles and product sales - we were also able to work with The ACE Programme, a charity designed to engage young people of African and Caribbean Heritage, to invite one of their students onto the High Performance Program.
With a host of high-quality players representing ACE, it certainly was not an easy decision to decide which young cricketer travelled out to Australia to take part in the program. Ultimately, it was Troy Henry - a 19-year-old all-rounder - who was selected to represent ACE on the High Performance Program.
Chevy Green, Director of Programmes at The Ace Programme, said: “Everyone at ACE is greatly appreciative of the support provided by the Barmy Army, from the team behind the scenes, but most importantly to all the fans that have contributed by entering auctions, raffles and buying bucket hats!
“The experience Troy has been provided with this winter is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to not only develop his cricket skills, but as a young adult off the pitch, too!
“We are excited to see his growth as a player and man this season. The environment provided by Shaun Seigart and Sattick Roy on The R66T Academy High Performance Program is world class, and we hope to send more players from ACE in the future, solidifying our relationship even more.”
Meanwhile, Chris Millard, Managing Director of the Barmy Army, added: “One of our primary aims of the partnership was to raise enough donations for an ACE student to attend The R66T Academy High Performance Programme in Adelaide. It was truly remarkable to see our members, partners and followers come together to raise the money required and allow Troy to experience the proven programme in Australia.
“Seeing the positive impact it has had on his game has been amazing, and having spoken to High Performance Director Shaun Seigert, Troy has also represented himself, and ACE, in a fantastic manner throughout his time Down Under.
“At the Barmy Army, we are dedicated and committed to improving inclusivity in cricket. Our sport is a game for everyone, and we understand the importance of breaking down barriers for people to access cricket.”
Since arriving in Adelaide back in October, Troy has improved his game tremendously - and quickly asserted himself as one of the leaders in the group. Working under High Performance Director Shaun Seigert has allowed the player to elevate his game to a new level. He has worked hard to improve his batting and bowling skills, playing for Pooraka in the A1 Adelaide Turf Competition. The Australian club reached an important final, meaning Troy extended his stay in Adelaide in order to be available for selection!
The conditions in Australia are extremely different to what Troy is used to in the UK, so it has presented different challenges for him. From a bowling perspective - with him being a left arm orthodox bowler - there is less spin, so it has required him to develop his game with his control and subtle variations. In terms of his batting, he has had to adapt to more bounce, along with different scoring options.
During his time on the High Performance Program, Troy has batted in the middle order for his club side, having made a couple of 70s, while his best bowling spell saw him register 3/50.
Discussing Troy’s development throughout the program, Shaun Seigert, High Performance Director, said: “Troy has been a hard worker and leader in our group, and has been a positive influence on other players throughout the program. He has shown his leadership qualities by captaining The R66T Academy in the games we have played, which is not an easy job. Giving players opportunities within the game, while also looking to win, can often be difficult.
“His calm and composed nature has been a plus for the whole group, and he has developed physically, which is not an area that comes easily for him. Yet, he has stuck at it and improved. Hopefully he goes home and continues to build on what he has achieved out here this summer.”
For Troy, the High Performance Program has helped him grow as a player, but also as a person, too. Whilst cricket has been, understandably, his main priority, making new friends and being independent has also been massively important to him.
“My time in Adelaide has been amazing,” said Troy. “The High Performance Program has not only developed my cricketing skills, but also helped me grow as a person in terms of life skills. For example, making new friends, living with new people and taking care of yourself independently!
“Without the support of the Barmy Army, I could not have afforded to attend the program. I am grateful for the opportunity to gain an experience like this, but without the Barmy Army’s help, I couldn’t have done this!
“The High Performance Program opportunity that I am experiencing now is far better than my imagination. The benefits of being on this program has enhanced my skills as a cricketer but most importantly it has improved my mental skills, which I am really looking forward to applying in my game going forward.
“I didn’t realise how important it is until I thought about how to think the game through and how to apply the mental skills that made me improve my game as a team player and an individual!”
We are delighted to see the progression in Troy’s game since he arrived in Adelaide for the High Performance Program and wish him all the best for the future!
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