Four Oaks Cricket Club

The former Four Oaks Youth Team Player is currently a Sports Coach at Bishop Vesey School, if he was to take the role it would mean combining the Academy coaching role within his busy schedule.

While not naming the preferred candidate, Neilson, Club Chairman, has confirmed there have been in talks and believes an appointment is imminent.

"It's something we can't confirm because there are one or two items to resolve," he said.

"But hopefully, sooner rather than later, we'll agree that.

"I like to think the person will be in pretty quickly to help us in this area."

The decision to create the role of Head Youth coach is part of Four Oaks & Wishaw club development review, which was commissioned to create a legacy for both clubs.

The club has noted in a worrying decline in small independent clubs, this was highlighted recently with local side Aston Old Edwardians folding, and Walmley reportedly set to field 6 senior sides in 2011.

"Its great that Birmingham League giants like Walmley can field 6 sides, however with all due respect to the big boys, after a while there is a danger that you may lose the connection with your membership. Clubs like ours play an important role, we hope the new academy will provide opportunities for cricketers of all abilities to play in the Sutton Coldfield area for years to come"

And Director of Cricket Gareth Woodhouse believes finding the right man to oversee the youth levels is a key priority, with the new coach set to be appointed before the end of next month so they can play a part in the implementation of the review.

"We spoke a lot of times with the committee about a new coach and what he has to do - to start with the youth sides, to understand what happens,"

January sees the launch of the clubs new Joint Four Oaks & Wishaw Youth Academy, indoor nets and a online advertising campaign

The club is looking to for players of all ages and ability to participate in 3 Saturday, 2 Sunday and Youth academy sides

Any new players looking to join the club should contact the cricket committee via the contacts page on this site

Indoor training is available for players of ages 12 and upwards, outdoor training which begins in April will be open to players from 8 upwards

Sessions take place at Arthur Terry School on Fridays from 7pm, training last 90mins and costs £3

Kittoe Road
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B74 4RZ