Meet The Coaches – Tom Clover

How long have you been coaching and how did you get into it?

I have been coaching for 4 years now and I started it when I was 16 for my Duke of Edinburgh at my home club.

Why did you want to become a coach?

I wanted to become a coach as I’m passionate about cricket and enjoy teaching the sport to others. Abbas, my club coach, took me under his wing and coached me when I was a youngster. At the time, I wasn’t getting much attention from my age group coaches. His values and support made me want to become a coach.

What have been some of the highlights from working with us?

Some of my highlights from coaching at 20/20 have been the summer camps, where kids have enjoyed it so much they come back the following week. Also leading a camp for a couple of days at Bagshot.

What are the key things you have learnt in your early years of coaching cricket?

I have learnt that patience is a virtue when coaching cricket and that over time I’ve gained more confidence when coaching to large groups.

Who were your cricket inspirations growing up?

My cricket inspirations when growing up were, Ian Bell, who could play the most amazing cover drives and Kevin Pietersen who was gutsy, ambitious and would play the most outrageous shots.

What, in your opinion, makes a great cricketer?

In my opinion someone who makes a great cricketer should be a team player, however also selfless when their team needs them to perform. Cricket can be such a pressure sport especially when batting, so being determined and focus from ball to ball can aid in becoming a greater cricketer.

How would you describe your coaching style?

I would describe my coaching style as laid back, but professional, in order to make the cricketers I’m coaching feel comfortable and get the best out of them. I’m friendly and approachable but can be stern, in order to keep everyone’s attention and most importantly keep our cricketers safe.