CRICKETER Josh Bousfield is a man on a mission – to ensure all young players don’t miss out on the opportunities the sport can offer.
The 27-year-old opening bowler for Barnard Castle CC played for Durham County Cricket Club from the U11s through to senior levels.
He represented the county second XIs for a couple of season before he was released at 21. However, he says chances he was given enabled him to see the world and hone his skills playing in Australia.
To give other cricketing youngsters the same chance, he has set up Josh Bousfield Cricket Coaching.
He offers cricket camps, one-to-one coaching and working with clubs alongside coaching juniors at Barnard Castle CC.
“As I have got older, I have realised that I love playing cricket and want to give everyone the opportunities I had. I don’t want anyone to miss out,” he said.
“I also want to get into the schools so that I can promote the game so it thrives in Barnard Castle.”
Josh is a level two England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) qualified coach.
He combines cricket with working as a gardener and landscaper for Chris Stamp.
He has already held a couple of cricket camps at Barney’s leisure centre and said the response had been very good.
“I did one for five to eight-year-olds and two for nine to 15-year-olds which were well received.”
More camps are planned for the summer.
“I also did an eight-week stint with Raby Castle CC, working with the juniors. That’s the sort of thing I want to do and I really enjoyed that,” he said.
“The whole thing that is driving me is giving people more opportunity.”
His one-to-one sessions are proving particularly popular. The current run, until May 22, is fully booked up. The next bock of sessions, which are held on Saturdays and Sundays, will run from May 28.
While cricket remains his sole focus for the time being, Josh – a keen footballer who turns out for Barnard Castle FC – is keen to embrace other sports in the future.
To find out more, search for Josh Bousfield Cricket Coaching on Facebook.
