Western Province Women’s Coach advocates for cricket grassroots development

Claire Terblanche, Head Coach of Western Province Women and Girls Pipeline, gives insight into the beauty of grassroots development and what it potentially means for a budding cricketer in an age of pursuing a healthy mind, body and psyche.

South Africa is a nation that celebrates and is passionate about sport, yet thousands of children have limited access to playing the sport they are passionate about.

Sport is more than just a game, it allows young boys and girls to engage in teamwork, discipline, tolerance and the value of fair play.

Before Terblanche became a respected cricket coach, she watched from the side-lines as a little girl until she took it upon herself to go for that she wanted, bowling and batting in the streets of her neighbourhood.

“I was drawn to cricket because of the contention between opponents, the possibility to establish friendships, travelling to places I have never been to and meeting new people,” she said.

“I hold the game of cricket in high regard as it taught me lessons about life that helped me navigate through the good and the misfortunes that life had handed me.”

When asked about her love for coaching Terblanche said: “Everything I did revolve around cricket and the progression into this role was a natural one for me.

“My passion for helping people grow helps me maintain my desire to be in an environment I really enjoy.”

Terblanche reiterates that effective coaching cannot be achieved without functional development at a grassroots level.

“It allows for the holistic growth of kids. It allows them to enjoy the game, develop faster and retain what the kid has learnt through the beautiful game,” she concluded.

“Subsequently, as they mature as players who are open to learning and the fun related to learning, even at pro-level.”