Past participants of ACE events have been very satisfied with the high standard and professionalism of the Development Days. The majority of participants said that their game had improved considerably and still regularly keep in contact, often asking for advice on aspects of their game which Ace are happy to provide and assist in their growth. A more tangible measurement the academy’s success are the number of players who have gone on to sign professional contracts or played 1st and 2nd team cricket following their participation at ACE’s development sessions. ACE events are also excellent environments for networking, as many players that attended have gained semi professional contracts as a consequence attending the ACE Academy.

Testimonials From Previous Participants

Bilal Shafayat (Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, England under 19 & England A)

"I attended the 2000 ACE development day because it was run by Usman Afzaal who was somebody I looked up to as a young boy with dreams of becoming a professional cricketer. The development day was really well organised and professionally set up, and it was great to be looked at and coached by pro players and coaches. I was really happy to be selected for the tour of Pakistan, this gave me the opportunity to play on different types of wickets and against different types of players to those I had been encountering in England. It was also good that Mick Newell (Notts County Cricket 2nd team coach at the time) was also on the tour, I have no doubt that my performance on the tour in front of Mick helped me to get a contract with Notts. My game was greatly developed by working with the coaches at ACE, I would certainly recommend the ACE development days to any player who wants to either improve their game or become a professional cricketer."

Nadeem Malik (Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire, England- under 19)

"My father enrolled me on the ACE development day in 2000, he said that he had heard pro players would be coaching at the event and that 1st and 2nd team coaches would also be there scouting for talent. I must admit that I was not too keen at first because I thought it was going to be a waste of time and money. This couldn't have been further from the truth as the whole experience was brilliant, the coaching was intense, the competition fierce and the whole set up was very well organised. It was really amazing to be getting help and guidance from people who I had been admiring on TV for years. I was lucky enough to be selected for the tour in Pakistan; this really benefited my game because I learnt to bowl on flat unhelpful pitches. It was also good because Mick Newell the 2nd team coach at Notts was on the tour and was able to see how I was learning and developing as a player, I have no doubt that this helped in the decision by Notts County Cricket Club to offer me a contract in 2001. I think that Usman is doing a great thing with ACE and am sure that the development days/academies planned for 2006 will be even bigger and better than the previous years. I think any young cricketer should attend these development days, at the very least you will improve your game and at best you will be given the opportunity to become a professional cricketer."

Shaftab Khalid (Worcestershire, England A)

"Before attending the ACE development day in 2002 I was playing club cricket in London. I saw the adverts promoting the ACE development day and thought that it would be a good chance to improve my game. I was also impressed by the fact that there were going to be pro coaches and players at the development days. I was surprised at how professional, intense and competitive the day was. The pro players and coaches were very approachable and the psychology seminar was very good, as was the Q&A session with the players. I had a great day at the clinic and the added bonus was that Tom Moody (Worcestershire Coach) invited me for a trial from which I was offered a two year professional contract. This was eclipsed in the following winter when I was selected to tour with the England A Team. None of this would have been possible without ACE and I would like to thank all the guys for their help and support. I would say to any young cricketer that if you get the chance to attend one of the ACE development days don't hesitate. You don't know how far it could take you, for me it made all my dreams come true."