Amy Jones

I'm thrilled to share my journey during my placement year with the Cheshire Cricket Board, as it was an invaluable part of my Sports and Exercise Science degree.

From day one, my goal was to make a significant impact in the world of sports, particularly cricket—a sport I've always been passionate about. My role involved working with children aged 4 to 18, including those with disabilities and learning difficulties. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of everyone I coached was central to my role, and it taught me the importance of inclusivity and tailored support in sports development.

Collaborating with charitable organisations dedicated to making cricket accessible to all was particularly rewarding. I had the opportunity to help them achieve their mission of ensuring every child can enjoy, learn, and grow through cricket. Throughout the year, I visited over 15 different schools, where I led curriculum PE lessons, conducted assemblies, and organised engagement days.

I also had the opportunity to work with county age groups alongside some very experienced coaches who once coached me as a child. I was able to contribute to the development of the U13, U15, and U18 girls county teams—teams I once belonged to years ago. This underscored the power of mentorship and continuity in sports, leaving a lasting impact on me.

Moreover, working alongside experienced strength and conditioning coaches broadened my understanding of injury prevention and individualised programmes. Running fitness testing projects and collaborating with a physiotherapist deepened my knowledge and experience of working with real players and applying my degree knowledge to a similar environment.

My time at the Cheshire Cricket Board provided me with invaluable learning and skill development opportunities. Engaging with teachers, children, coaches, parents, and physiotherapists developed my communication skills and enhanced my confidence in coaching and sports science.

To all students considering a placement year, I encourage you to seek opportunities that align with your particular interests and values. The experiences you have will not only shape your future career but also leave a lasting impact on your personal and professional growth. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change my decision to pursue a placement year and am delighted that I will join the Cheshire Cricket Board again once I graduate.