US Cricket Academy is recognized within the United States as the most popular name synonymous with junior cricket. The journey started back in 2001, when Mr. Ashok Patel successfully hosted the first ever regional junior Under 13 Tournament in United States cricket history. Since then, US Cricket Academy has not looked back, routinely churning out talent for regional and USA national cricket teams
who have played domestically (California, Texas, New York, Philadelphia) as well as overseas (West Indies, India, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom). It is the pride and joy of United States Cricket Academy, supported to a great degree by Old Bridge Township in New Jersey, to give young cricketers all over the tri-state region an opportunity to compete in and enjoy the sport they love. A critical factor that cannot be understated in Academy’s success has been the tremendous support Mr. Patel has received from the Township of Old Bridge. The Township had for years provided indoor facilities such as the gym of Carl Sandburg middle school for many of the Academy’s junior players to hone their skills and have the opportunity to practice all year round, something which very few young players have the opportunity to do in the colder temperatures of the North East. It is such commitment to the development of junior cricket that municipalities not just all around NJ, but all around the United States, can use to model their own grassroots sports programs after. Currently, USA Cricket Academy Field (formerly known as Pension Road Soccer Field) is the only cricket field on the Eastern seaboard devoted entirely to cricket, junior cricket in particular. The field is recognized throughout the tri-state area as one of the best in regards to playing conditions – largely due to the townships assistance in field maintenance with respect to grass cutting and watering. Furthermore, USA Cricket Academy Field currently features two outdoor nets, one with an astroturf pitch and the other matting. Allowing the junior cricketers to practice on different types of pitches goes a long way to help them adapt to different conditions faced on the domestic and international scene. Again, the omnipresent support of Old Bridge Township really cannot be understated when celebrating the success for US Cricket Academy. Last year, United States celebrated its 10th anniversary of existence by recognizing the years of hard work, significant achievements, and many milestones achieved. The Academy has had a hand in developing more than 15 players who have gone on to represent the United States at the Under-19 level and another 8 players who have represented the United States senior team. US Cricket Academy was the first junior program in the United States awarded by the ICC, the governing body of cricket, in its yearly ceremony recognizing organizations grooming junior cricket in non-regular cricket playing nations. US Cricket Academy routinely hosts free clinics where ICC certified Level I and Level II coaches provide free training to eager youngsters looking to take up cricket for the first time or looking to take their game to the next level. As US Cricket Academy has grown in accolades and commendations since its inception, Mr. Patel has not forgotten that the very foundation of the Academy: the junior cricketers themselves and their passion for the game. In order to keep this passion and flame lit, especially in a non-cricket playing nation, he must continue to count on the support he has received from the various partners of USCA over the years. It is essential these youngsters continue to have facilities, grounds, and coaching provided by USCA. Together, USCA and Old Bridge Township have worked to create a solid organization capable of providing all this and more. Credit must be given to Mr. Patel and his colleagues, Old Bridge Township, the mayor, the board and councilmen, and many others. Thanks to their contributions, US Cricket Academy is now as well positioned as ever to continue its mission as the premier developer of youth cricket talent in the United States. [email protected]
