meet the
TCA COACHING TEAM
Meet the highly qualified and experienced TCA coaching team
Our specialist coaching team have well over 50 years combined coaching experience, delivered to a wide range of groups and individuals within the game.
From promoting cricket in primary schools through to coaching professional and domestic international players - the TCA coaching team have the experience.
Your TCA coach will deliver a specific coaching experience, with the player experience and development always at the forefront.
Aadam Ali
TCA Support Coach
BOOK
A SESSION
TODAY
Book your place today on one of our specialist programmes designed to give you the edge and master your chosen art.
Got a question? You can email us here.
MATTHEW DAWSON
Director of Cricket
Matt Dawson is a highly experienced professional cricket coach with over 15 years in the field. A key figure at The Cricket Asylum since its founding in 2012, Matt oversees TCA's overall coaching programmes and works with TCA Sports Tours managing the cricket aspect of TCA's overseas offerings. Specialising in wicket-keeping and batting He is an ECB Level 3 Performance Coach with extensive experience coaching representative and professional players, including international-level cricketers in the UK, Australia, and India.
Matt's playing career spans over 25 years in representative and high-level league cricket. He represented Yorkshire CCC from U15s through to the academy and 2nd team. As a capped Cheshire CCC player, he recorded over 100 wicket-keeping dismissals for the county. Additionally, Matt spent four seasons playing and coaching in Australia, further enriching his international cricketing experience.
SCOTT KERSHAW
Head of Cricket Development
Scott Kershaw is a seasoned cricket coach with over 30 years of coaching experience. He has been a key member of The Cricket Asylum (TCA) since 2014 and is one of the most sought-after 1:1 coaches at the academy. Scott has played at a high level in local leagues and represented Lancashire CCC from junior levels through to the 2nd team.
Scott has worked with numerous professional players, but his passion lies in developing young talent. He has successfully guided many players into regional and county age-group cricket. At TCA, Scott leads player development programmes and oversees coach development structures and planning, ensuring a high standard of training and progress for both players and fellow coaches. His deep understanding of the game and dedication to nurturing talent make him an invaluable asset to TCA.
JACK HENDY
Head of Elite Performance
Jack Hendy is a true product of The Cricket Asylum, having been part of the Ultimate Academy's first cohort in 2012 while representing Yorkshire CCC U19s and academy as a player. Starting his journey as an assistant coach, Jack gained valuable experience working alongside some of the UK’s most recognised elite coaches. Over the past 10 years, he has developed into a highly regarded performance coach, now leading TCA's Elite Performance Academy and working towards his ECB Level 3 Performance Coach qualification.
Jack has established himself as a top-level coach, working with high-performing players progressing through county pathways and into professional cricket. In addition to his role at TCA, Jack is the Head of Cricket at Huddersfield New College, which was recently featured in The Cricketer magazine's top 100 schools. His dedication to player development and performance coaching makes him a key figure in shaping the next generation of cricketers at TCA.
WILL THICKETT
TCA Development Coach
Will Thickett is a passionate and energetic cricket coach, quickly making his mark within TCA coaching team. As an ECB Level 2 qualified coach, Will has rapidly gained valuable experience delivering 1:1 coaching sessions and working in a variety of club and community settings. His ability to connect with players of all ages and skill levels has made him an integral part of TCA's coaching team, where his enthusiasm and dedication to the game shine through in every session.
Will’s coaching style is dynamic and player-focused, and his sessions are known for their high energy and attention to detail. Will’s commitment to player development is reflected in the rapid progress of those he works with, as he brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a fresh perspective to each session.
In addition to his coaching, Will is an accomplished player himself, representing Stones Cricket Club locally. He also enjoyed a successful season both playing and coaching in Australia, further broadening his coaching skills and international experience. Will continues to be a rising star at TCA, contributing to the success and the development of aspiring cricketers.
AADAM ALI
TCA Support Coach
Aadam Ali has been a part of TCA family since he was 12 years old and is one of the TCA Foundation's most successful scholarship recipients. As a player, Aadam represented Lancashire CCC and was named Player of the Year at the U14 level. He was set to trial for the North of England before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted his progress. Despite this setback, Aadam has continued to develop his game and in 2024, he enjoyed a successful U19 tour to Barbados, where he showcased his leg-spinning talent on the international stage.
As a coach, Aadam is passionate about giving back to the sport that has shaped his life. With his larger-than-life personality, he is dedicated to ensuring that every child he coaches not only improves their skills but also enjoys the game to its fullest. He holds an ECB Level 2 coaching certificate and continues to expand his coaching experience with both TCA and the TCA Foundation.
Aadam has also completed his qualifications at Myerscough Cricket College and is currently pursuing a Sports & Exercise Science degree at Manchester University. His commitment to both playing and coaching, along with his drive to inspire the next generation of cricketers, makes him an invaluable asset to the TCA coaching team.
WOODY WEBSTER
TCA Support Coach
Woody is another talented coach who has risen through TCA ranks, starting as a player in the Cricket Buds program. His love for cricket has fuelled his growth, and he is now making his mark in senior cricket at Copley Cricket Club. As a confident and capable ECB Level 2 coach, Woody has played an integral role in delivering TCA’s courses and continues to refine his skills as a 1:1 coach.
In addition to his outdoor cricket achievements, Woody is a keen indoor cricketer and represents TCA in national indoor competitions. His passion for the game and growing experience make him a valuable and enthusiastic member of the TCA coaching team, dedicated to helping young players develop their skills and enjoyment of cricket.
ISAAC THOMPSON
TCA Support Coach
Isaac is a talented young cricketer who already has experience winning trophies in senior league cricket, and has been transitioning into coaching over recent years. Having played representative cricket throughout various age groups, including Yorkshire CCC age-group cricket, Isaac has benefited from TCA coaching as a player and is now giving back by supporting younger players in a coaching role.
A keen indoor cricketer, Isaac represents TCA and was selected to play for England U17 at the 2023 Junior World Series in Dubai, showcasing his talent on the international stage. In his coaching role, Isaac helps deliver TCA’s group sessions and plays an important part in the development of indoor cricket players. His passion for the game and dedication to coaching make him a promising addition to the TCA coaching team.
RICHARD DAMMS
TCA Guest Coach
Richard Damms is TCA esteemed regular guest coach, following in the footsteps of some of the UK’s most respected coaching figures. As an ECB Level 4 coach, the highest coaching qualification in cricket, Richard brings an unmatched blend of enthusiasm and deep expertise to his sessions. His vast experience includes a long tenure as Academy Coach for Yorkshire CCC, where he played a pivotal role in the development of stars like Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Harry Brook.
Currently, Richard works with Nottinghamshire CCC, focusing on their county player pathway, helping to shape the next generation of professional cricketers. At TCA, he is a guest coach for the Elite Performance Academy, providing aspiring players with direct insights and experience from the professional game. Richard’s influence and knowledge are invaluable assets to the TCA coaching team and the young cricketers he mentors.
Kirstin Smith
TCA Coach
Kirstin has been an integral part of the TCA family for several years. An accomplished coach, she has worked extensively with Halifax Junior League representative teams and progressed to coaching at regional levels. Known for her expertise and dedication, Kirstin consistently delivers outstanding performances with her local club, Queensbury.
In 2023, Kirstin represented England at the Ladies Masters Indoor Cricket World Series in Sri Lanka, showcasing her talent on the international stage.
Kirstin is available for 1:1 coaching sessions at The Cricket Asylum, where she brings her wealth of experience and passion for the game to every session. In addition to coaching, she plays a key role with TCA Sports Tours, managing and delivering memorable overseas cricket experiences.
Sam Staley
TCA Scoring and Statistics
Sam has been a player within the academy for several years and has progressed to working with TCA developing scoring and statistics processes for both indoor and outdoor cricket tournaments. An aspiring sports analyst, Sam has played a crucial role and helped bring TCA's scoring, statistics, and streaming of tournaments into the modern era.
Also an upcoming coach, Sam is a key member who passes on experience as part of the TCA Indoor Cricket Academy. As a player, Sam is an England indoor cricketer who played in the 2023 Junior World Series in Dubai.
MORE COACHING SERVICES
"It’s great to learn with other keepers and how they do things and we always catch a lot of balls which is what you want from it."
— Name, Title
"They really enjoy it & it is great training especially in the winter months!"
CONTACT US
The Cricket Asylum, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 3BT