Rajasthan Royals have become the first Indian Premier League franchisee to set up their cricket academy in the UAE. The Jaipur-based IPL franchisees will formally launch their academy in the UAE on October 12 in association with UAE-based sports consulting firm RedBear Sports.
Rajasthan Royals have become the first IPL Franchise to establish operations in the UAE. The academy is another step taken by the franchisee to establish its global presence as a cricketing brand and promoting the sport around the world, stated a Rajasthan Royals Press Release.
The Rajasthan Royals’ UAE academy will be operated in partnership with UAE-based sports consulting firm RedBear Sports.
Girls and boys aged 6 to 19 will be able to access world-class coaching. The trainees will have the option of choosing between one to one session, team sessions, or group sessions. All the sessions will take place under the guidance of Academy Director and former Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer and his highly-qualified coaching team.
Speaking on the launch of the academy, Jake Lush McCrum, COO of the Rajasthan Royals said: “We’re delighted to launch our first Royals academy in the UAE. The UAE is a modern hub for cricket, with players and teams from around the globe visiting due to its world-class infrastructure and facilities, such as those in the Sevens facility. The large subcontinent population makes it a great place for cricket to grow and expand and we are delighted to support this process and to strengthen the already rapidly improving UAE national side.
“Through this academy, we hope to accentuate the growth of the sport in the country, providing resources and structure to training that helps the talented youngsters to take the step to the next level.”
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Rajasthan Royals and the prestigious Sevens Stadium to launch and host the new Rajasthan Royals Academy – UAE. Rajasthan Royals have a rich heritage of developing and nurturing players; we believe that the combination of their expertise, our knowledge of player development and the quality of the facilities available at the Sevens Stadium, means that we will be able to offer young players in Dubai an unrivalled experience, and for those with potential, the opportunity to progress towards the IPL,” added Will Kitchen, Co-Owner, RedBear Sports LLC.
The academy will run at the Sevens Stadium facility, better known for hosting the Emirates Airline Rugby 7s alongside its world-class cricket facilities. The venue boasts three oval grounds, two of which are floodlit, 6 floodlit turf nets and fully equipped changing rooms of the highest standards. The facilities have been frequently used by travelling County and International teams. Most recently, the facilities were used by the IPL teams, including Rajasthan Royals, during their preparation for the Dream 11 IPL 2020.