Speaking on his latest visit to the facilities at Dubai Sports City, Marsh said:
"The ICC Global Cricket Academy has a crucial role to play in world cricket. We will not only provide an ideal base for traveling test teams, we want to help improve the standard of every cricket playing nation."
Marsh returned to Dubai Sports City to check on the latest developments at the facility, which is set to open in 2009.
"Rod has provided invaluable support and advice during the construction process of the ICC Global Cricket Academy. His eye for detail and commitment to creating a world-class environment will ensure that we will have an unrivaled facility to help improve the standard of the game," said Marc Archer, General Manager, ICC Global Cricket Academy.
Marsh - who set a world record of 355 wicket-keeping dismissals during his test career - has become of the most respected cricket coaches in the world since his retirement. The 60 year-old was a coach at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide (1990 - 2001), before becoming Director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) National Academy in 2001.
"I believe the ICC Global Cricket Academy will transform the world game, making it a focal point for development and learning. I can't wait until we are able to get out on the field and start working with young, enthusiastic stars of the future,"
added Marsh.
The ICC Global Cricket Academy will offer a training base for all international sides, as well as being a place of learning and development for players, coaches and officials. The facilities will also be made available to the UAE national team, and local clubs in the region.
As well as the ICC Global Cricket Academy, Dubai Sports City will also include academies for football (home of the Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai), rugby, swimming and hockey (FIH WorldHockey Academy), as well as the Butch Harmon School of Golf and the David Lloyd Tennis Academy. Each academy will provide a world-class training base for international and UAE athletes, while also offering the perfect environment for local grassroots leagues and coaching.

Posted by Ehab Al-Abbadi



