Cricket: Academy in Australia

Duration: 4 - 10 weeks
Australia flag
  • Overview
  • Your coaching team
  • Tuition
  • Facilities
  • Timetable
  • Matches
  • Social life
  • FAQs
  • Your pad
  • A week in the life
  • Prices & dates
  • Australia
  • Sport Lived in Brisbane
  • Download a summary (PDF)
  • Request a brochure
  • Book your place

Overview

Cricket: Academy in Australia

The Sport Lived Cricket Academy gives you the chance to play and train in Brisbane, Queensland’s picturesque state capital. Our course provides the ultimate cricketing experience: you’ll receive elite coaching and have access to outstanding training facilities.

Cricket Academy AUZ overview

Recommended for:

  • Working intensively on your game
  • Meeting friends through club and academy
  • Training alongside elite players & coaches
  • Time to travel before/after your programme

At a glance:

  • Regular cricket training and matches
  • Access to world class cricket facilities
  • Elite coaching from highly skilled staff
  • Shared accommodation

Beach session on the Gold Coast.

Sprint training at the academy

Cricket match at the University of Queensland

Sporting adventures

Our cricket academy programme runs for 4 - 10 weeks from January – March. Whilst on the programme you’ll train at the academy during the week and play matches for a local cricket club at the weekends. You’ll live 15 minutes from the academy in city centre accommodation with other Sport Lived participants.

Your coaching team

Your training at the Academy will be led by world-class coaches. Our team includes specialists in a variety of disciplines so that all aspects of your sporting development will be covered. 

Read the profiles of your coaching team below and prepare to be blown away by their experience and enthusiasm.

Michael Brundle

Michael Brundle
Academy Coach

  • Current member of the University of Queensland Cricket Club (UQCC) First Grade Team
  • Part of the UQCC First Grade Teams which won Premierships in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2008/09
  • Assistant Cricket Coach at Brisbane Boys College
  • Level 2 Qualified Cricket Queensland Coach

Anthony Wood: Cricket

Anthony Wood: Cricket
Strength and Conditioning Coach

  • Co-ordinates physical development programmes for all academy players
  • Programmes focus on developing players speed, agility, strength and power
  • Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Has a Human Movement Studies Degree from the University of Queensland
  • Previously held strength and conditioning roles with the Queensland Rugby Development Squad, Brisbane Bullets Basketball Team and Brisbane Wolves Football Club

Graeme Skennar

Graeme Skennar
Academy Coach

  • Assistant Coach of the University of Queensland Cricket Club (UQCC) First Grade Team
  • Current member of the University of Queensland Cricket Club (UQCC) First Grade Team
  • Part of the UQCC First Grade Teams which won Premierships in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2008/09
  • Level 2 Qualified Cricket Queensland Coach

 

Social life

Regular social events are organised for players attending the academy. These include bush trips, days out at the beach and an end of programme dinner

social_life_cricket_academy_auz_1

Through your cricket club...

Australian cricket clubs enjoy an unrivalled reputation for their social activities! Pub crawls, fancy dress parties, BBQs and nights out at sporting events will ensure there’s never a dull moment.

social_life_cricket_academy_auz_2

With Sport Lived…

You’ll live alongside other Sport Lived participants who are playing and coaching a wide variety of sports. This provides a ready made group of friends for you to get together with and explore life in your chosen Aussie city.

Your programme will begin with introductory drinks during the first week, co-ordinated by your mentor who will also organise monthly social events. These might include a day out at a seasonal event, a traditional Aussie barbie, pub golf, etc. 

Tuition

We’ve assembled a high quality coaching team to deliver the academy programme. You'll receive tuition from leading coaches, sports psychologists and fitness experts who’ll analyse and develop every area of your game.  The coaching at the academy will focus on:

Core skills

You’ll receive one on one coaching, net sessions and drills to work on batting, bowling and fielding skills.

Physical attributes

Specialist coaching sessions focusing on all aspects of the physical game including strength, power, speed, agility and endurance development.

Psychological conditioning

This is a key area for cricket development, working on mental skill development. Coaches will work with you on goal setting, overcoming negative thinking, pre-game preparation, visualisation, etc.

Athlete education

Academy students learn about wider aspects of organisation, sport and cricket. You’ll undertake lessons in diet and nutrition, injury prevention, tactical and decision making development and time management.

FAQs

Do you have to be a really good cricketer to attend the academy?

No. Cricketers of all abilities can attend the cricket academy where they’ll receive high quality coaching and play matches for a club at the weekends.

What type of visa should I obtain to attend the cricket academy in Brisbane?

The programmes are intensive so most players don’t work during their time at the academy. We therefore suggest that you obtain an Australia Tourist Visa which your travel agent should be able to organise for you. 

If you plan to extend your trip and work in Australia then you should obtain an Australian Working Holiday Visa. This visa enables you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months.  

Do players on the programme play matches for a club?

Yes, all players on the programme train with a club during the week and play matches at the weekends. 

What clothes are provided at the academy?

When you arrive, you’ll receive shorts and training shirts. You’ll also receive a Sport Lived hoodie. 

 

 

Facilities

All academy sessions take place at the University of Queensland. The university is just 15 minutes from the city centre and has some of the best sporting facilities in Australia.

At a glance:

  • 2 cricket ovals
  • Outdoor grass and synthetic nets
  • 2 bowling machines
  • Video analysis equipment
  • Gym and fitness centre
  • 8 lane athletics track
  • Olympic sized swimming pool

What to expect

When you arrive at the academy a thorough assessment will be made of your strengths and weaknesses. This assessment provides the basis of your training programme at the academy. Performance objectives are set and continually reviewed as development progresses.

The academy has an in-house sports medicine facility which includes physiotherapy, massage therapists and sports physicians.

You’ll have access to superb facilities to help improve all aspects of your game.

Cricket Academy AUZ facilities 1

Timetable

A typical weekly schedule on the 10 week programme is shown below. During the programme you’ll work on all areas of your game. In addition, you’ll also play matches with a club at the weekends and attend club practices during the week

A typical weekly schedule...

Morning Afternoon
Monday

10am - 12pm

One-to-One Batting

& Bowling Coaching

2pm - 4pm

Cricket-specific Fitness Session

Tuesday

9am - 12pm

Optional Fitness Session

 

5pm - 8pm

Club training & Social

 

Wednesday

10am - 12pm

One-to-one Batting

& Bowling Coaching

2pm - 4pm

Cricket-specific Fitness Session

Thursday

9am - 12pm

Optional Fitness Session

 

5pm - 8pm

Club Training & Social

 

Friday

9am - 12pm

Optional Fitness Session

 

2pm - 4pm

Fielding Session

One-to-one Batting

Saturday

9am - 12pm

Club Match

 

12.30pm - 7pm

Club Match

 

Sunday

All Day

Rest and Optional Social Activity

Matches

In addition to training at the academy, you’ll join a cricket club in Brisbane. You’ll attend mid-week training sessions and play matches at the weekends.

Personal development

Playing for a local club will enable you to put the academy coaching into practice in weekly competitive matches.

Playing and training with a club also enables you to integrate into the local community, meet new people and make new friends.

Most cricket clubs in Brisbane have 4-6 senior men’s teams and some also have women’s teams. Some of our cricket clubs in Brisbane have state and international cricketers, so you’ll have the opportunity to play alongside some very talented players.

Your pad

  • STANDARD ACCOMMODATION
  • PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD ACCOMMODATION

Choose our Standard Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a dorm room in a hostel or lodge. All our Standard pads are centrally located and provide easy access to public transport. This makes it easier to get to your sports club, as well as giving you the chance to try out all the bars, clubs and restaurants in the city centre.

your pad auz standard

At a glance:

  • Top quality hostel accommodation 
  • Located close to transport and nightlife
  • Shared with Sport Lived participants
  • Meet travellers from around the world

Your place in Australia... 

You’ll share a dorm room with other Sport Lived participants. You’ll get fully equipped kitchen facilities, a base for your belongings and large comfortable communal areas, so you can catch up with other Sport Lived participants and travellers from around the world.

NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.

Bedroom

Kitchen

Bathroom

Dining area

Kitchen

Bedroom

Dining area

Bathroom

Dining area

Bedroom

Kitchen

Bathroom

Bathroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Dining area

PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION

Choose our Premium Accommodation in Australia and you’ll live in a 4 star apartment in the centre of town. Your club will be easily accessible by public transport and with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants and shops close by there are plenty of places explore.

Your pad AUZFour star city centre apartments

At a glance:

  • 4-star fully furnished apartments
  • Located close to transport and nightlife
  • Shared with Sport Lived participants
  • Relax! Most bills are included

Home from home...

Apartments are shared with other Sport Lived participants and include a 24 hour reception plus many mod-cons. Apartments are fully furnished including a TV, linen, kitchen appliances, washing machines, etc. They are also serviced weekly so you can spend your time having fun.

NB: Illustrative accommodation pictures.

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Apartment lounge diner

Premium accommodation

Premium accommodation

Apartment kitchen

Apartment lounge

Apartment lounge and diner

Apartment lounge diner

Apartment kitchen

Apartment living room

Premium accommodation

Your pad AUZ

A week in the life...

...of Harry Bush, a batting allrounder from Ipswich, who attended the Sport Lived cricket academy between January and March.

Monday

Academy session this morning where we had a net followed by throw-downs.  Lunch followed by sprint work and then a weights session.  Watched cricket on TV in the evening.

Tuesday

Gym session in the morning followed by some food shopping. Club training in the afternoon followed by beers with teammates at the Regatta Hotel.

Wednesday

Another cricket session this morning where I worked on my bowling.  Watched Twenty20 match between Queensland and NSW with Sport Lived crew at the Gabba in the evening.

Thursday

Clothes shopping at Queen Street Mall this morning. Club nets in the afternoon where we discussed plans for the weekend.  Went out in ‘the valley’ after training.

Friday

Sore head this morning.  Did batting drills at the academy in the afternoon.  Feel in good touch for tomorrow. Watched a movie before getting an early night.

Saturday

Match day. We win the toss, bowl them out for 270 and we’re 30-0 at the close. I took 1 wicket but bowled well. Beers with cricket lads that night.

Sunday

Stiff from bowling yesterday.  Catch a train to the Gold Coast where we chill out at the beach.  Dan cooks a meal for us in the evening.

Prices and dates...

  • Location
  • Duration
  • From
  • To
  • Price
  • Brisbane
  • 4 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 03/02/2013
  • Standard
  • £ 2895
  • Brisbane
  • 5 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 10/02/2013
  • Standard
  • £ 3245
  • Brisbane
  • 6 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 17/02/2013
  • Standard
  • £ 3595
  • Brisbane
  • 7 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 24/02/2013
  • Standard
  • £ 3945
  • Brisbane
  • 8 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 03/03/2013
  • Standard
  • £ 4295
  • Brisbane
  • 9 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 10/03/2013
  • Standard
  • £ 4645
  • Brisbane
  • 10 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 17/03/2013
  • Standard
  • £ 4995
  • Brisbane
  • 10 weeks
  • 07/01/2013
  • 17/03/2013
  • Premium
  • £ 6345

Australia

Sun, sea, sand and SPORT!  Australia’s sporting prowess is as legendary as the Great Barrier Reef and a Sport Lived programme is your chance to experience both.

Australia highlights:

  • Watch a magical sunrise over Ayers Rock
  • Catch a cricket match at the MCG
  • Dive the Great Barrier Reef
  • Learn to surf at Bondi Beach

Choose your destination city...

Our programmes run to cities across Australia.  Click on each city to learn more but be warned, choosing your destination is NOT an easy decision.

Sport Lived in Brisbane

Simon heads up the Sport Lived team in Brisbane and is a thoroughbred Queenslander. He’s travelled the world but made Brissy his home, so hear all about his favourite city.

Brisbane
The weather in Brisbane today is...

Your mentor recommends:

  • Head to the Gold Coast for a surfing lesson
  • Enjoy the city centre beach at South Bank
  • Visit the city's riverfront bars & restaurants
  • Check out Queensland's beautiful islands

Ed, Ali, and Barney at the Gold Coast

Sport Lived social for the Rugby Academy players in Brisbane

Beautiful one day, perfect the next is the ideal way to describe sunny Queensland. Brisbane is located right at the heart of Queensland and is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and welcoming atmosphere. It’s hard to go wrong with the tropical climate which leads to long balmy nights spent either on the beach or enjoying a cold drink with friends.

Situated on the magnificent Brisbane River the city is the place to be. It is well known for its bustling night life. Whether you want a couple of drinks in a traditional Australian pub, a night on the dance floor or anything in between, Brisbane has a night spot to suit. Brisbane is very popular among travellers and backpackers as the city is constantly thriving with life.

Brisbane also boasts two of Australia’s best sporting stadiums. The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium host matches of Rugby League, Cricket, Aussie Rules, A League Football, Rugby Union - basically every sport you could wish for!

The city is also just an hour's drive from the stunning Gold Coast, which is known internationally as a popular tourist destination, thanks to its white sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean. Maybe now is the time to take up the opportunity to learn how to surf; or travel up further north to the beautiful rainforests and spectacular waterfalls.

In summary, Brisbane is a fantastic city offering amazing experiences. Your time spent here will be remembered and treasured for life.

Sport Lived in Melbourne

Matt has been part of the Sport Lived team in Melbourne for the last few years. Although he was born in the US, he was raised in Melbourne and considers the city home, making him perfectly placed to tell you all about its attractions.

Melbourne
The weather in Melbourne today is...

Your mentor recommends:

  • Catch the Boxing Day Test Match
  • Take a trip along the Great Ocean Road
  • Have a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Check out South Yarra's shops and cafés

Sport Lived participants playing golf in Melbourne

Girls night out in Melbourne

Team mates enjoying dinner in Melbourne

St. Patricks night in Melbourne

Clubbing in Melbourne

First things first. Whether it be playing professionally, socially with mates, coaching or simply watching on the telly, Melburnians LOVE sport. It doesn't matter where you are - the heart of the city, a country town, or in the suburbs, you will not only find a pub with a TV screen, but also an enthusiastic Aussie crowd to watch the action. In terms of live sport, we have the famous Boxing Day test match, Aussie Open Tennis, Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup – Australia’s most famous horse race.

But there’s more than sport. Most importantly, the Melbourne people are an incredible bunch. There's a warm, community sense that vibrates through the city. The locals are typically laid back and welcoming. They love to show off their city and will probably insist on taking you out on the town, exchanging slang words and introducing you to their mates.

This city is famous as the home of culture in Australia and has amazing art exhibitions, markets, music and comedy festivals; shopping, nightclubs and trendy bars. Whatever your taste, you'll find places in Melbourne dedicated to people like yourself.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Working overseas

WORK EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS

Find out about gaining valuable work experience whilst overseas.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Working overseas

WORK EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS

Find out about gaining valuable work experience whilst overseas.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Working overseas

WORK EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS

Find out about gaining valuable work experience whilst overseas.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Working overseas

WORK EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS

Find out about gaining valuable work experience whilst overseas.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Working overseas

WORK EXPERIENCE OVERSEAS

Find out about gaining valuable work experience whilst overseas.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

Our accommodation

OUR 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION

See our range of fully furnished 4-star city centre apartments.

Top tips

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS

Read our top 5 tips on how to get the most out of your Sport Lived experience.

Book your place

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Feeling inspired and ready to take the trip of a lifetime?

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.

A picture says a 1000 words

A PICTURE SAYS A 1000 WORDS

See what our Sport Lived participants got up to on their travels.

Our booking process

OUR BOOKING PROCESS

Follow our simple step-by-step booking process to book your place.

Parents feedback

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

Hear what the parents have to say about the Sport Lived experience.