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James McDougall
Elite Cricket Academy, Napier, New Zealand
How did you feel before you joined the programme?
How did Real Sport Experience assist you with your preparations and what were your expectations?
Real Sport Experience helped me find the perfect programme for my gap year. I knew I wanted to play Cricket in either Australia or New Zealand, and they provided guidance and advice in terms of differing standards in their programmes. I was told the Elite Cricket Academy in Napier, New Zealand was a more intensive programme, which I felt was ideal; it has certainly met my expectations.
What are your opinions of the destination(s) you travelled to with Real Sport Experience?
Napier is a fantastic place to stay and it offers a high standard of premier cricket, perfect for improving your game whilst at the academy. The time we spent in Sydney and Manly was brilliant and allowed me to see Australia, which is something I've always wanted to do.
What were your impressions of the accommodation?
Basic, adequate, comfortable.
Has your programme and destination met your expectations?
Playing Cricket down under has always been an ambition of mine, this programme has provided the ideal way to combine travelling with Cricket. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.
The academy offers first class facilities and a chance to play cricket in a highly competitive environment. It provides the perfect gap year to those who are looking to improve their game yet at the same time it extends once in a lifetime opportunities such as what we experienced netting with international players.
Any anecdotes? What is your fondest memory of your trip?
Getting the opportunity to bowl to England and New Zealand in the nets before the ODI in Napier! The chance to meet, let alone bowl against some of your cricketing idols has made an awesome experience an unforgettable one. I certainly won't forget bowling Paul Collingwood middle stump in a hurry!
How have you benefited from your experience? Have you changed? If so, how?
My all round game has certainly improved; in terms of batting I have developed a wider range of shots and my bowling has certainly become more consistent. The programme has also offered insight into the mental preparation before a game. |
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What advice could you offer to someone considering this programme?
If you wish to combine playing and improving your Cricket with seeing the other side of the world, then this is the perfect programme for your Gap year. The programme has offered incredible opportunities such as bowling to England and New Zealand, and it has been an experience I will certainly not forget. It was the only consideration for me.
What are your overall impressions of your program and Real Sport Experience? Would you recommend us to friends / family?
The Real Sport experience has been the perfect way to spend my gap year; I feel it has been massively productive and well worthwhile. I would definitely recommend this programme to anyone who loves Cricket, and Real Sport experience to anyone looking to play sport abroad.
Thanks so much for taking the time to send us your feedback. It really will help us to maintain and improve the experiences we offer our customers!
 Further information on the Cricket Academy New Zealand
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