Personal Development is the conscious pursuit of personal growth by expanding self-awareness and knowledge, as well as improving personal skills.
Every registered professional player has the opportunity to construct a written Personal Development Plan (PDP) in consultation with their regional PDM.
On average, over 40 players every year leave the professional game for a second career, with the PCA offering transitional support to all.
Course options and funding
Our team of PDMs offers comprehensive advice on everything from short courses to full-time degrees, and you can get in touch with your regional PDM to speak about preferred course providers and find out more about funding options.
The PCA funds 50% of individual personal development courses up to a maximum of £1,500 (e.g. a £3,000 course qualified for a reimbursement of £1,500).
The PCA also runs taster courses which give players the chance to develop new transferable skills or to enhance existing ones. In addition, the Professional Players Federation (PPF) provides information on free online courses, which you can access here.
ECB coaching courses:
- Level 2: Fully supported on successful completion of course.
- Advanced course: £1,500 fully funded on successfully completion.
- Specialist course: A contribution of £1,500 per year against a cost of £8,340 (inc VAT), equalling £3,000 over two years.
Careers coaching and guidance
The PCA Future Careers Manual is the definitive guide for professional cricketers seeking new direction or development of a dual career. Containing information on everything from increasing self-awareness to finding work, the manual supports individuals in research and assessment of which career areas and specific roles are best suited to their interests, needs and circumstances. PCA members can log-in and view the manual by clicking below.
Rookie Camp
The PCA holds an annual Rookie Camp every February which brings together players who have recently signed their first professional cricket contract.
The day-long initiative has been inducting players into the professional game since 2011, with the most recent event in 2023 welcoming a record 67 players into men’s and women’s cricket.
Rookie Camp educates players on transitioning into the professional game and highdarks the support and guidance the PCA offers cricketers throughout and after their career.
Several workshops run throughout the day to discuss the highs as well as potential pitfalls and dilemmas cricketers will face during their careers. Anti-corruption, legal support, social media training, gambling addictions and Q&As with former England cricketers are some of the sessions the rookies will experience on their induction to the PCA and professional cricket.
Futures Awards
The PCA rewards its most proactive members for significant personal development with a financial reward that can be used to cover costs of their progression towards a second career.
The Futures Awards, in association with Lodders Solicitors are judged on a number of criteria, with three categories available to enter. Members submit applications based on either their Business Impact, Community Spirit and Academic Progression while the most impressive individual wins the overall prize.
The 2023 PCA Futures Awards was the eleventh edition, with the celebration formally known as the Scholarship Awards, and saw Yorkshire’s Yash Vagadia, Middlesex’s Ethan Bamber and former Derbyshire wicketkeeper Steve Griffiths successful.
For the upcoming awards in 2024, the day will once again be held at Lodders’ Cheltenham head office, with finalists presenting their personal development achievements to the judging panel, which will again consist of both PCA and Lodders staff.
Before then, applications will open in September via thepca.co.uk, close in late October with a panel then whittling all entries down to the finalists to present to the judges in November to be in with a chance of winning a share of a £7,000 prize and expert guidance from the Lodders team.
Futures Conference
The PCA provides comprehensive support throughout a players’ career and none more so than transitioning into a career beyond the cricket field.
The PCA Futures Conference takes place every November to supplement the work that the PCA’s nine-strong team of Personal Development and Welfare Managers do in preparing players for a career after cricket throughout their playing days.
Interested in attending the 2024 PCA Futures Conference?
The 2024 PCA Futures Conference which takes place 6-7 November is open to all past and present players.
Please register your interest by clicking the button below and filling in the form as there are limited places available.
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