Batim: Cricket has become extremely popular in Goa over the last decade or so, and thereby has boosted the cricket-lovers’ endeavour to develop academies across the state to encourage new talents to blossom. Sanjay Naik has set up his cricket academy in the interiors of Tiswadi taluka here in North Goa and looks determined to provide all necessary facilities to the youngsters to hone their skills.
Speaking to www.thegoancricketer.com, Sanjay shed light on the plan to upgrade the academy with an “indoor nets facility” as the monsoon season puts a stop on the outdoor training for months. “Nevertheless, the fitness workouts will continue as the trainees play games like football on beach, futsal. We even take students to GCA indoor facility for some nets session,” he said.
The Sanjay Naik Cricket Academy (SNCA) functions with two nets facilities, a bowling machine with certified coaches guiding the boys and girls from age-group of 8 to 19 years. Expert guidance on physiotherapy, diet/health talks are also organised for holistic impact to create an athletic lifestyle. Expertise from GCA-approved fitness trainer is sought from time to time for special sessions.
“The trainees are looked after with a keen eye on their progress assessment. When needed, one-to-one sessions are undertaken. We even organise practice matches. Well-trained students are sent for the Goa state selection trials. Our boys are now attending camps in various age-groups,” informed Sanjay.
SNCA also participates in the age-group tournaments for U-13/15/16 years. While competitive match practice is a key requirement for the development in the formative stage; those above the age of 19 years, are given an opportunity to play in the senior team at various tournaments.
When asked what the academy’s target for every season is, Sanjay says: “Our main aim is to get the beginners, and start with basic skills. The younger the age, the better it is to mould them.”
