The Lancashire Cricket Foundation offers the opportunity for aspiring cricket enthusiasts to have an introduction to cricket coaching through the Cricket Apprenticeship. Designed to shape the next generation of cricket coaches, administrators, and development officers, this initiative aims to provide young people with hands-on experience and professional development in the cricketing world.
Jai-Onni Outerbridge has taken the opportunity and run with it.
The Cricket Apprenticeship is structured to offer participants an understanding of cricket coaching, sports development, and the operations of a professional cricket organization. Apprentices will gain valuable insights into the daily workings of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, including involvement in community outreach programmes, event management, and grassroots cricket development.
Outerbridge – Cricket Development Coach who came through the cricket apprenticeship said his decision to join the Foundation’s apprenticeship was driven by his ambition to develop his coaching skills. “I have always had a desire to pursue coaching in a full-time role,” he explains. “I saw this opportunity as a chance to better progress my coaching knowledge as well as learn from seasoned coaches. Another reason I chose an apprenticeship was because it gave me the opportunity to work and learn at the same time.”
Lancashire Cricket Foundation stood out to Outerbridge as the ideal place to begin his journey. “I chose Lancashire as it was the only programme of its kind running,” he says. “Also, because Lancashire Cricket Foundation is a great company to be associated with that provides loads of opportunities for staff.”
Throughout his apprenticeship, Outerbridge encountered both rewarding and challenging moments whilst also earning his Level 1 and Level 2 coaching licenses, along with specialist coaching qualifications—important milestones that would later help him secure a full-time role.
Jen Barden - Executive Director said: It’s fantastic to see not only Outerbridge but a number of other members of the team who starting their journey with us as apprentices continue their employment with us. I’m excited for the next 12 months where we look to offer more apprenticeship opportunities, develop a robust and enhanced training programme and work with the workforce of the future across the County.
Since stepping into his full-time role, Outerbridge has quickly made an impact. “I have progressed quite quickly by leading one of the biggest development centres we run at Total Cricket, as well as the development centre at Emirates Old Trafford. These gave me the perfect practice in planning, development, and communication skills.”
Outerbridge’s journey through the Foundations apprenticeship is a testament to the opportunities that structured training programmes can provide. His dedication, combined with the invaluable experience gained through the apprenticeship, has set him on the path to achieving his coaching dreams. With his passion and drive, the cricketing world will likely hear much more about Jai-Onni Outerbridge in the years to come.
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