In February 2023, Hertfordshire Cricket returned a successful tour of UAE, their first tour since the pandemic. The U15 Boys spent 7 Days covering Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai which consisted of a training day, 4 match days (3 matches under lights) and excursions to both Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, and the ILT20 Final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The boys really enjoyed it, had a great time, worked hard and learned a lot. Their enthusiasm and energy levels across the week were admirable, particularly in the heat, and they were excellent ambassadors of Hertfordshire Cricket.
We find touring an excellent opportunity for boys to learn many life skills, bond as a group and experience different cultures and opportunities, all whilst advancing their cricket. The different conditions give an insight into the change of skills required on match days, whilst being away from home helps to develop their sense of autonomy and promote self-discipline and life skills such as communication and time-keeping. One of the major facets we promote throughout touring is Group Discipline:

GROUP DISCIPLINE
There are reasons why we insist on uniform like smart shoes, proper polo (supplied), timekeeping for events and bus journeys. These are basic acts that require no skill or talent. What they do show is respect to the staff and most importantly the group as a whole. They ‘set a tone’.
Hence the players that turned up inappropriately attired are letting down their teammates and friends. The five occasions players were late for the bus was disrespectful etc etc . Lockdown and the very gentle environment in schools since Covid are partly to blame for this however post this tour this will no longer be considered a viable excuse for this group of players.
All lads need to learn these lessons as they grow up and we believe this group now have. Indeed, as the week progressed the discipline improved enormously and the players started to police it between themselves. They took ownership of the standards required and that manifested itself on the pitch with much greater unity, teamwork, performance and enjoyment. Also by having smarter standards the lads showed much greater pride in themselves and their efforts. So we are happy to state that this part of the tour was a success and a good learning curve for the lads and one they have embraced and adopted. Their challenge now is to maintain these new standards at home, at school and in their clubs.

Subsequently we revisited in February 2024 with an extended tour of 8 days, giving opportunities for another U15 group to experience cricket in new conditions. Their training and matches were based out of the brilliant Ajman Cricket Facilities which contain at least 10 Floodlit Ovals and nets at all grounds. This game them the opportunity to develop an understanding of sub-continental playing environments, expanding their cricketing knowledge. They also encountered teams such as the UAE U16 National Side during the trip which tested not only their playing skillsets, but also ability to work as a team and devise gameplans which are more successful against players in their home conditions. The boys won 2 out of their 8 matches, however would all agree that they put themselves into winning positions in every game, and upon reflection learned more about their own cricket as individuals and as a collective as a result of falling short in the other games. Off of the pitch, they enjoyed each other’s company greatly and regularly spent time playing ping pong, tennis or relaxing on the beach. We even managed to introduce a tactical training session in the sea, which culminated in field placements being washed away by giant waves. A highlight for all was the trip to the waterpark and the opportunity to visit the Dubai Mall, where they could watch the Dubai Fountain Show.

With the success of these Tours in mind, we have devised the following proposed annual touring schedule moving forwards for age groups. (Details are subject to change dependant on circumstance and conversations with Tour Operators):

February: U15 County Age Group Tour to UAE (Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai).
- 7-9 day trip featuring 4 Match Days (generally 2xT20 with a day game and a game under floodlights), a training day.
- Excursion/Leisure Day (Waterpark/Safari TBC.)
- 4* Hotel with Full Board and laundry.
- Tour Polo Shirt provided.
- Full player Tour Report Included.
- 3x Hertfordshire Coaches present.

October: U17/18 County Age Group Tour to UAE (Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai):
- 11-Day trip featuring 5 match days and 2 training days. (Mixture of T20 and 50-Over matches).
- 2 x Excursion/Leisure Days (Details TBC.)
- Mixture of 4* and 5* Hotels across the tour. Full board and Laundry inc.
- Tour Polo Shirt provided
- Full player Tour Report Included.
- 3x Hertfordshire Coaches present.