Aberdare has shown a concerted willingness to assist the development of cricket in the Eastern Cape, and the Youth Cricket Academy (YCA) provided another way for them to do just that. Aberdare provided the resources for the YCA to begin specialized coaching for young cricketers who were dedicated to improving their game.

Aberdare very generously made their Cricket ground available, namely Aberdare Park, situated between 10th and 11th Avenue, Villiers Road, Walmer. The YCA has become very popular amongst cricketers in the Eastern Cape, with cricketers coming from as far as Jeffery’s Bay for their individualized cricket training.

The YCA currently coaches over 200 cricketers every week, and the number is steadily growing, as the word gets around of YCA’s excellent track record, and promising results.

Aberdare has not only been a huge contributor to the formation of the Youth Cricket Academy, but it is also sponsoring several previously disadvantages young cricketers, so that they can attend the YCA’s specialized cricket training program every week.

The following cricketers have been sponsored terms at the Youth Cricket Academy since it first began in October 2001:

Gr. 4. Lawasi Misizi
Gr. 4. Zipho Dyan
Gr. 4. Simmikiwe Belu
Gr. 4. Nikilithu Badela
Gr. 4. Athi Mlandu
Gr. 4. Luzukho Singapi
Gr. 4. Lulama Boyce
Gr. 4. Xolela Api
Gr. 4. Sino Booi
Gr. 5. Ziphozichle Mzozoyana
Gr. 5. Zuko Kula
Gr. 5. Siphe Namba
Gr. 5. Nicholas Bigge
Gr. 5. Akhona Mashaya
Gr. 5. Mlamli Lupondwana
Gr. 6. Clayton Hendricks
Gr. 6. Mandilake Tan
Gr. 7. Sibusiso Matula
Gr. 7. Odwa Badi

The coaches at the various schools, which these cricketers come from, have stated that they have noticed a vast improvement in these cricketers, from understanding the game to their own technical ability, and their attending the YCA’s privatized coaching sessions has brought this about.

The Youth Cricket Academy acknowledges the commitment and effort that Aberdare has shown in making the YCA such a successful venture, and sincerely appreciates all they have done.

Together Aberdare and the YCA will continue to develop cricket in the Eastern Cape, where possible, for the community.