James Shannon - Thoughts from Cardiff MCCU

10 March 2010

The year at University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) has provided me with many opportunities so far, notably taking part in the MCC Universities (MCCU) scheme. Studying Sport and Exercise Science and balancing my cricket with the MCCU and Ireland cricket has been easy so far as my timetable is not particularly strenuous, allowing a lot of free time.

 

Jack Russell (2nd Left) with players from Cardiff MCCU. James Shannon is 3rd left) Cardiff MCCU has an extremely good reputation as a team with talent and also those willing to work hard to achieve the best they can. Under the coaching staff of Kevin Lyons, Graham Haines and Mark O’Leary we have four compulsory sessions a week - including a group session, a one-to-one and two fitness sessions. Over the winter period this allowed me to prepare for the U19 World Cup in New Zealand with Ireland, which took place in January over three weeks.

 

Having played in the previous tournament in Malaysia I knew it would be a fantastic opportunity, and having trained in a professional environment over the winter gave me the best chance of success and a good mindset going into the competition. Our side competed well and gave a good account of ourselves against some extremely talented sides – including Australia, who would go on to win the tournament. It was challenging and rewarding to pit ourselves against players who will no doubt be the future of international cricket.

 

Playing in this type of environment is every young player’s dream, staying in fantastic hotels, access to First-Class and Test grounds and hard cricket. There is no doubt that the MCC scheme throughout the six centres of excellence provides a stepping stone into the professional game, and the opportunities are there if the players involved are willing to take it.

 

So far I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I know everyone else involved will feel the same way.