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Our Story

Cricademia has grown from a cricket coaching initiative into a thriving cricket hub. Over the years, we've developed a wide range of programs including high-performance training, one-to-one coaching, young athlete development and impactful community outreach programs. Operating across various locations in Leeds, with our own indoor high performance facility Cricademia continues to inspire and support local cricket talent—this is our story.

  • Banstead Arena

    Our journey began over two decades ago with a setup of: some cones, two bats, milk crates for stumps and a bag of tennis balls. Set in a local park in the heart of Leeds, we welcomed eager youngsters, united by their love for cricket.

  • Oakwood Oval

    As word spread, more and more young players came from across the region to learn and play. With passion as our fuel, Oakwood Oval became our makeshift hub for coaching the next generation of cricketing talent.

  • Stonegate Gardens

    Our first major milestone, securing our very own outdoor coaching facility. Stonegate Gardens wasn't just a field; it became a sanctuary for growth and training. With a dedicated strength and conditioning room, this was where dreams began to take shape.

  • Meanwood Way

    Building on the success of Stonegate Gardens, we expanded into an indoor single lane facility with a small gym room. It wasn’t much, barely enough run-up space for bowlers, but it was a game-changer.This is where our off-season performance programmes were born.

  • High Performance Program

    At this pivotal phase in Cricademia’s development, we established comprehensive high-performance programs that addressed both off-season and in-season training. These initiatives were strategically tailored to support emerging athletes who aspired to secure positions within county-level cricket teams, equipping them with the necessary skills, discipline, and competitive edge to progress to the next level.

  • Westfield House

    Our high-performance indoor centre. With three lanes, a strength gym, and a team of dedicated coaches, we finally have the resources to help every athlete unlock their potential. culmination of two decades of grit, passion, and unwavering belief. The journey is far from over we have only just begun.

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Our Team

Academy Director

Ghulam Rafique

Ghulam Rafiqueis a seasoned sports performance coach with over 35 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and lecturing. Specializing in health, fitness, and strength and conditioning, he has worked with athletes across all ages and abilities. Known for his adaptive approach, Ghulam views coaching as a constantly evolving craft, driven by the unique needs of each individual. His lifelong commitment to growth continues to inspire both athletes and fellow coaches.

Academy Director

Mustafa Rafique

Mustafa Rafique is an accomplished Academy Director and high-performance cricket coach with over a decade of experience. A former county-level player, he blends technical expertise with a player-centred approach, creating environments where athletes thrive both on and off the field. Mustafa is passionate about nurturing talent and fostering personal growth, helping individuals embrace their authentic selves while building life skills that extend far beyond sport. His commitment to excellence and mentorship continues to shape the lives of those he coaches.

Coach

Jo Harrington

Hi I am Joanne Harring, Lead coach for the U9’s Consillio Scarcroft 2024 and Cricademia women’s team coach. Having played a high standard of cricket throughout my youth, including Yorkshire county age groups and becoming a national champion in 2017, I have been fortunate enough to engage and play with women at the highest level. Through these experiences I have learnt a great deal and thoroughly enjoy passing on those experiences and approaches to young aspiring cricketers.

I love the game of cricket and love to pass on the knowledge I received onto others.

Coach

Anis Raza

Anis Raza discovered his passion for coaching during the summer while serving as an Assistant Coach for the Staffordshire CC boys’ age groups. From supporting game days with Staffordshire to coaching at Cricademia, Anis has embraced opportunities to inspire and guide young cricketers.
Through his role at Cricademia, he is committed to helping the future stars of Yorkshire thrive in their cricketing journeys. Anis brings a unique perspective, drawing from his own experiences in the county system to share valuable insights from his playing career.
His mission is to nurture young talent, ensuring they progress session by session and achieve their full potential.

Contact us

07411127344 - Mustafa (Academy Director)

07875049560 - Ghulam (Academy Director)

info@cricademia.com

Westfield House, Broadland, LS13 3HA