Cricket All-Rounders Swing By New Outdoor Centre
11 February 2013
The group of Derbyshire County Cricket Club Academy players attempting to put up a shelter at Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre
It's been a really good three days. The best bit for me was taking on the outdoor activities, especially the high ropes course which was really good fun. We definitely learned a lot in the kitchens too, and it's been a great opportunity.
”Young DCCC Academy bowler, Ben Cotton
Derbyshire County Cricket Club's up and coming young players spent three days developing their teamwork off the pitch recently, as they overcame outdoor obstacles and culinary challenges with help from students and staff at the University of Derby Buxton and Buxton College.
The eleven Derbyshire County Cricket Club Academy players took part in the team building trip as part of a unique partnership agreement with the College and University of Derby's sports development arm, Team Derby.
Their first challenge was to walk across the Peak District from Grin Low to the College's dedicated Oaklands Outdoor Leadership Centre in Buxton through deep snow and difficult weather conditions, where they attempted its high ropes and low ropes courses by working as a team.
On the second day in the great outdoors, the players were coached in the basic survival skills of fire and den building by the College's Outdoor lecturer, Allan Shaw. And as a final test the team worked with Buxton College's professional cookery students in the Campus' kitchens to prepare a three course meal for 35 guests.
Talented young bowler, Ben Cotton, age 19, said: "It's been a really good three days. The best bit for me was taking on the outdoor activities, especially the high ropes course which was really good fun. We definitely learned a lot in the kitchens too, and it's been a great opportunity."
Howard Dytham, Head of Development at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, said: "The University and College teaching staff and student helpers have been great, and our players have really enjoyed their time here. It has been a physical and mental challenge that has really put them under pressure at times, and that's what we wanted."
The partnership between the University of Derby (including Buxton College) and Derbyshire County Cricket Club is an extension of the 2012 partnership. This year it will see the University of Derby's name on the Club's LV County Championship Shirts and sponsorship of the Academy, with a view to improving cricket performance for both county and the University.
For more information about Buxton College visit www.buxtoncollege.ac.uk
For more information on the Oaklands Manor Outdoor Leadership Centre visit www.oaklands-manor.com/
