Expressions of Interest - Thrive in Cricket Foundations Program: Spring 2026
Thrive in Cricket Academy is an 8-week holistic development experience for cricketers in School Years 10–12. Run by former Black Cap and White Ferns coach Matt Bell and Performance Life Coach Ellie Bell, in partnership with The Willows Cricket Club.
This is not just a cricket program. It combines technical and tactical skill development with evidence-based personal growth tools, building players who are more resilient, more self-aware, and better equipped to perform under pressure.
What Each Player Gets
8 cricket training sessions — technical and tactical skill development
4 group Performance Life sessions covering the THRIVE behaviour pillars
(weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8)
1 individual 1-to-1 Performance Life coaching session (30 minutes)
A branded Thrive in Cricket workbook to use across the program and
beyond
A Personal Development Plan — a real document they keep and build on
A Week 1 parent and player session — families are introduced to the
PDP and how they can support their cricketer
Spring Program — Key Details
Start Date | Sunday 11 October 2026 |
Finish Date | Sunday 29 November 2026 |
Venue | Sydenham Indoor Centre |
Who Is It For? | Cricketers in School Years 10–12 — separate male and female cohorts, up to 16 players each |
Group Size | Up to 16 players per cohort |
Session Day | Sundays (exact times to be confirmed) |
About Pricing
We are currently seeking funding support to reduce the cost of this program and make it as accessible as possible. Final pricing will be confirmed once funding decisions are made — but we want to be upfront about what to expect:
If funding is confirmed | ~$325 + GST per player |
If self-funded | ~$650 + GST per player |
Registering your interest now does not commit you to a place or a price. We will be in touch with confirmed details as soon as they are available — before asking you to confirm your spot.
SECTION 1 - ABOUT THE PLAYER
SECTION 2 - CRICKET BACKGROUND
SECTION 3 - TELL US ABOUT YOU
SECTION 4 - PARENT/GUARDIAN DETAILS
SECTION 4 - ACCESS & PATHWAYS
We are committed to making this program available to as many young cricketers as possible. If funding is confirmed, subsidised places will be prioritised for players outside the main cricket school pathways in Christchurch. Please indicate below if this applies to you, this information is used only to allocate funding fairly and does not affect your eligibility to register.