Core Coach

ECB Core Coach 
 
ECB Core Coach is a coach education programme for the recreational game and an entry-level qualification for coaching cricket in England and Wales alongside ECB Foundation Coach. 
 
This programme has been designed to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence to lead player-centred coaching sessions. 
 
An ECB Core Coach is qualified to lead coaching sessions independently and without supervision.  
 
Who is it for? 
 
Anyone aged 17 and over wishing to become qualified to coach cricket, inspire and develop players and make a difference to the game. 
 
Experience of playing or coaching cricket is desirable but not essential when applying for ECB Core Coach. 
 
A cohort route to becoming an ECB Core Coach – live 1st October 2026 
 
The cohort route is designed for coaches who want structure and connectivity to develop. 
 
Modules blend face-to-face and micro-learning to focus on developing your coaching through regular opportunities to coach, generate feedback and reflect. Modules are intentionally spaced over time to create opportunities to explore and apply key themes in your own coaching environment. 
 
The cohort route may be right for you if you: 
 
Want structure and support throughout your learning and development 
Enjoy learning alongside other coaches 
Value opportunities to discuss ideas and share experiences 
Want coaching opportunities and feedback. 
 
Commitment 
 
Programme fee – £400.00 
Eight modules – each including face-to-face and micro-learning spaced over a minimum eight week period 
Four assessments – two coaching observations, one multiple choice question assessment and one short answer question assessment.  
 
Key themes 
 
Role of an ECB Core Coach 
Core principles - batting, bowling (pace and spin), fielding and wicketkeeping 
Safety 
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Player development 
Player-centred planning process 
Tactical knowledge, physical fundamentals and mental skills 
The coaching tools 
The continuum of practice. 
 
Pre-requisites for certification 
 
18 years of age 
Valid safeguarding training e.g. Safeguarding Level 2 
Valid ECB Disclosure and Barring Service check. 
 

Next Herefordshire Course is at the University Of Worcester, St John's Campus, Worcester WR2 6AJ:

Module 1: 09:00-12:00 on 23 January 2027
Module 2: 12:00-15:00 on 7 February 2027
Module 3: 15:00-18:00 on 7 February 2027
Module 4: 12:00-15:00 on 20 February 2027
Module 5: 15:00-18:00 on 20 February 2027
Module 6: 12:00-15:00 on 7 March 2027
Module 7: 15:00-18:00 on 7 March 2027

To apply
Click here 
Further learning opportunities 
 
Membership of the ECB Coaches Association 
Micro-learning 
Coaching practice workshops 
Learning workshops 
Local events 
ECB Advanced Coach. 
 
Frequently asked questions 
 
Q: What is ECB Core Coach? 
A: ECB Core Coach is a coach education programme for the recreational game and an entry-level qualification for coaching cricket in England and Wales. It has been designed to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence to lead player-centred coaching sessions.  
 
Q: Who is the cohort route designed for? 
A: The cohort route is designed for coaches who want structure and connectivity to develop and who value learning alongside other coaches.  
 
Q: Do I need coaching experience? 
A: Experience of playing or coaching cricket is desirable but not essential when applying for ECB Core Coach.  
 
Q: How long does the programme take? 
A: The cohort route has a minimum duration of eight weeks (56 days) from module 1 to module 8 and is typically delivered across nine calendar weeks.  
 
Q: Why is the programme spread over a minimum of eight weeks? 
A: Modules are intentionally spaced over time to create opportunities to apply learning in your own coaching environment, reflect on your experiences and continue developing throughout the programme.  
 
Q: How are the face-to-face elements of modules scheduled? 
A: Face-to-face elements are intentionally spaced over a minimum eight-week period to support learning, application and development over time. Counties may organise modules in different ways, including running some modules individually and some modules together, provided the programme meets the minimum duration and spacing requirements. This means the scheduling of modules may vary between each event hosted. 
 
Q: What will I explore during the modules? 
A: Key themes include the role of an ECB Core Coach, player development, player-centred planning, batting, bowling, fielding, wicketkeeping, tactical knowledge, physical fundamentals, mental skills, the coaching tools and the continuum of practice.  
 
Q: How is the programme assessed? 
A: Assessment comprises two coaching observations, one multiple choice question assessment and one short answer question assessment.  
 
Q: What is Module 8 – Core coaching II? 
A: Module 8 facilitates the second coaching observation and the opportunity for coaches demonstrate their development throughout the programme.  
 
Q: Is module 8 scheduled immediately after module 7? 
A: No. Module 8 is separated from modules 1-7 and cannot take place on the same day as Module 7. Coaches can complete Module 8 when they feel confident and ready.  
 
Q: Where can my module 8 take place? 
A: Depending on the options available through your county, observations may take place in your own coaching environment, within a self-organised local cluster, at a county-organised local cluster or at a county-organised central event. Counties will communicate the options available locally. 
 
Q: Can I be observed with the players I normally coach? 
A: Yes. Wherever possible, coaches are encouraged to be observed coaching within their normal coaching environment and with the players they coach.  
 
Q: How long is the coaching observation in module 8? 
A: Coaches are observed coaching for a minimum of 20 minutes.  
 
Q: Who and what can I coach during my observation in module 8? 
A: Observations can take place coaching an individual, a skill group or a team, depending on your coaching context.  
 
Q: What happens if I am deemed not yet competent? 
A: If you are deemed not yet competent in one or more assessment tasks, you will have the opportunity to be re-assessed. Counties may charge a fee for re-assessment and any applicable charges will be communicated locally.