It proved to be an exciting blend of keynote sessions, focussed workshops and the space and time to network with coaches and leaders from within and beyond cricket. There were the best cricket coaches in the country and beyond with representatives of other sports making major contributions. The presenter list was one to behold from the ECB were Hugh Morris, Andy Flower, Andrew Strauss, Dr Simon Timson (now moving on to UK Sport) and Nathan Leamon plus their lead coaches Kevin Shine, David Saker, Richard Johnson Peter Such, Jimmy Adams Chris Taylor and Graham Thorpe. Sessions were also run by Dr Matt Parker (GB cycling's Head of Marginal, Gains and enjoyed by the FA’s Stuart Pearce). Steve Bull, Chris Grant, Dr Dave Alfred, Louise Deeley and Professor Keith Lyons. The keynote speakers were Jessica Ennis’s long term coach, Toni Minichiello who discussed developing a world champion Later  Ralph Hippolyte and Bertrand Theraulez  lead on Action Types. This is an approach based on individualisation and on what is known as “the natural movement for revealing the individual’s preferences” and explores how the brain and the body connect together to coordinate and adapt through movement. They have created a range of tests to help reveal the natural motor aptitudes and profiles allowing the coach and the athlete to differentiate their approach based on the individual needs. A special dinner was held to launch the new ECB Fellowship of Elite Coaches. Mickey Stewart who with the late Keith Andrews had played a vital part in setting up the current Coach Education programme was elected along with Andy Flower, Peter Moores and Kevin Shine the Associations first Fellows. It was a most informative two days for Devon’s representatives Matthew Wood and Martin Webb who also enjoyed a full tour of the £100million pound complex. It was unfortunate that the counties third representative Julian Wyatt was unable to attend due to eleventh hour problems. Wood had represented Devon at the EPP/Academy directors meeting earlier in the week at Loughborough University.

   Set in the National Forest, in 330 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, the new FA Centre will be the training base for the 24 England teams and features a Hilton hotel and Hampton by Hilton Hotel. St. George's Park is the home of FA Learning, the FA’s educational department. The football centre which includes a full-sized indoor third generation football pitch equipped with a viewing gallery for up to 200 people, a 60mx40m multipurpose indoor sports hall, 11 full size outdoor pitches and one elite DESSO training pitch which is an exact replica of Wembley. Players, coaches, guests and athletes from other sports will have the opportunity to access the very best medical and sports science facilities on site.  Perform at St. George’s Park is a bespoke sports medicine, rehabilitation and performance centre operated by Perform, part of Spire Healthcare. It combines 25,000 square feet of cutting-edge technology with elite medical expertise, creating the most advanced sports medicine, rehabilitation, performance science and training centre in the UK.