Adithi Banerjee began her cricket journey from Bentley Wood High School in Harrow, where she developed a passion for the sport. At the age of 15, she joined Headstone Manor Cricket Club (HMCC) in Harrow, propelled by her love for the game. Under the mentorship of Coach Vimal at the club, she initially served as a shadow coach, gradually transitioning into coaching roles with young cricketers in programs such as All Stars and Dynamos. To further bolster her coaching expertise, Adithi pursued and completed the ECB Level 1 coach qualification.
Last year, she clinched the prestigious ‘Young Coach of the Year’ award for her exceptional contributions to HMCC. The award was presented by the Middlesex Cricket Association at the Lords Stadium in the annual Middlesex Coaching awards.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she spoke about the approach to coaching female cricketers and navigating challenges, memorable coaching experience, future of women cricket and more.
How have your interactions with Sharon Eyers, participation manager and your participation in ECB and Middlesex Cricket programs influenced your approach to coaching female cricketers?
Both the ECB and Middlesex Cricket offer a wealth of training materials and programs for coaches, accessible online. Actively participating in these programs, I've diligently absorbed the knowledge and insights they provide. Engaging in discussions with fellow coaches at my club, we collectively tailor coaching methods and learning approaches specifically for female cricketers. Among the notable individuals I've had the privilege to connect with is Sharon Eyers, a former Middlesex cricketer who now coaches within the Middlesex Cricket community. Her guidance and support have been invaluable to me, particularly during challenging times. Our relationship spans several years, during which her encouragement has consistently propelled me forward.
Sharon has been instrumental in uniting women of different ages in cricket. As one of the youngest participants, I initially faced challenges navigating the diverse landscape of London's cricket clubs, which vary in their support for women's cricket. However, through Sharon's gatherings, we've collectively tackled club-specific obstacles, especially in male-dominated coaching environments. She leads discussions aimed at bolstering support for female coaches and players, actively engaging with clubs to enhance the game and integrate female perspectives into coaching strategies.
Can you share any memorable success stories or moments from your coaching experience?
During our summer training sessions, we welcome a diverse range of new kids, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations. Motivating them, sharing knowledge, and maintaining engagement throughout the program is both challenging and rewarding. Central to this effort is our collaboration with parents, recognizing their crucial role in fostering their child's passion for the game. The success of our summer camp is evident in the increased participation of children, including girls, compared to previous years. As a result, many have transitioned into regular training programs organised by our club on a weekly basis. Notable highlights include my coaching experience with the girls' team for the London Youth Games in 2023. Recently, I witnessed a significant breakthrough when the children I trained, despite initial setbacks, rebounded with determination and resilience, ultimately securing a victory in their most recent game. Their newfound confidence and commitment were palpable, with a collective determination to give their best effort regardless of the outcome. Notably, the group comprised a mix of both girls and boys, underscoring the inclusive nature of our coaching approach.
What is your vision for the future of women's cricket in terms of participation and representation, and how do you aim to contribute to shaping that future?
Women's cricket has undoubtedly made significant strides, showing positive growth on a global scale. However, there remains a pressing need for increased funding, training opportunities, and exposure on an international level. It's essential for clubs and organisations, including the ECB, to acknowledge and appreciate small achievements, recognising the efforts of individuals such as coaches, clubs, and players who contribute to the sport's development. At our club, we foster a culture of inclusivity by having both male and female team members training and playing together. This practice could serve as a model to be implemented nationwide, facilitating the growth of the sport and encouraging the sharing of experiences and learnings. By actively promoting participation from young girls and embracing diversity within the cricketing community, we can collectively propel women's cricket forward.
What are your upcoming plans or goals in both your coaching career and your profession outside?
I am driven by a passion to encourage and inspire more girls to embrace cricket, envisioning the formation of an exclusive girls' team to compete in matches. My aspirations extend beyond just coaching; I aim to achieve my ECB Level 2 certification and embrace new challenges in coaching. Creating a more inclusive environment where individuals of all genders and abilities can come together to enjoy the game is a primary goal. Concurrently, as I pursue veterinary nursing at Middlesex University, I am committed to successfully completing my studies and working with wildlife and animals. Balancing my interests in both the sciences and sports realms, I strive to make meaningful contributions to both fields.
