TGS helps build the stars of tomorrow
❝A lot of the players have never played on a turf wicket so that is just one of the memories they will hold on to.
— Ben Schuhmacher
CRICKET: The next Steve Smith or Mitchell Starc could be honing his skills at Toowoomba Grammar School this week.
With three ovals in action TGS is hosting more than 100 boys, 44 as full boarders at the school, as part of its annual cricket camp.
New TGS director of cricket Ben Schuhmacher said it was an exciting time for the players and the school.
“The camp draws in kids from all over the Darling Downs, others parts of Queensland and we even have one kid from Leeton, New South Wales,” Schuhmacher said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the school’s fantastic facilities, promote the growth of cricket and the players take away a great deal from the experience.
“A lot of the players have never played on a turf wicket so that is just one of the memories they will hold on to.”
Schuhmacher said the focus of the three-day camp was to teach and improve the fundamental skills of cricket.
“All the players learn about bowling, pace and spin, batting and fielding,” he said.
“Every player has an opportunity to play on the turf wickets as well which is a skill in itself.
“Each age group has a head coach and three assistant coaches - we like to bring back Grammar Old Boys for those roles.
“It allows us to tailor the sessions to give the players the best opportunity to improve their skills and have fun.”
This year the camp adopted a Big Bash League theme with players operating under the guise of the teams involved in the popular Twenty20 competition.
“They’re really enjoying the BBL theme,” Schuhmacher said.
“They love being able to call themselves the Scorchers or the Heat.
“The last day of the camp is heavy on the games which enhances the BBL theme.”