The Canterbury Cricket Association is set to run its popular School Holiday Coaching Programme on Thursday and Friday of this week.

Run in conjunction with WestpacTrust and Milo, registrations have been coming in solidly over the last couple of weeks, and it appears that upwards of 160 children will attend during the two days. The course will be held at the Polo Grounds on Hagley Park starting at 10am.

One of the main highlights of the programme will be the attendance of several State Canterbury Wizards players, who will be on the lookout for any young talent coming through the system. While players will be undertaking coaching themselves, they will also be casting their eyes over talent in other groups as well. The likes of Gary Stead, Paul Wiseman, Wade Cornelius, Aaron Redmond, Jarrod Englefield and Stephen Cunis will all be along.

The other main highlight will be the use of the bowling machine. Each player will have the opportunity to face up and take a series of balls from the machine. This is a great chance for the youngsters to experience a training aid, which is usually only available to players at a higher level.

CCA Coaching Manager Vicki Burtt said "The courses are always popular, but this time we seem to have had extra interest. The attendance of the State Wizards is sure to be a highlight and all the children who attend should get a lot out of the two days of coaching."

Vicki Burtt also commented that places are still available and will be so right up until the start at 10am on Thursday.

© Canterbury Cricket Association