Latest news with #PCA
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Somerset cricketer coaches pupils at school in Taunton
A former professional cricketer has been helping to coach young players at a school in Taunton. Arul Suppiah, who played for Somerset County Cricket Club and was the youngest player to represent Malaysia in senior international cricket, has been working with students at Queen's College throughout the summer term. In addition to his cricketing background, Arul works with the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) supporting mental health and wellbeing in the sport. A spokesman for the school said: "This mix of elite cricket expertise and pastoral care makes him a brilliant fit for our independent school cricket offering." Arul has led group training sessions and one-to-one coaching, supporting everyone from the first XI squad to beginners. Alfie, captain of the first XI, said: "Having Arul with us has been amazing. "His advice has really helped the team understand how to handle different match situations, and he's been so supportive to each of us individually too." Arul said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the students at Queen's College. "It's fantastic to see how keen they are to learn and improve, whether they're experienced players or completely new to cricket. "The school's commitment to developing the game and supporting young people on and off the field is truly inspiring." Caroline Foster, head of cricket at the school, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have Arul working with us. "His background in professional cricket and his approachable style have such a positive impact, whether he's helping our top players fine-tune their skills or inspiring younger pupils to fall in love with the sport." Arul's coaching is part of broader cricket developments at Queen's College. The school recently announced a partnership with PaceLab, a leading fast bowling development programme, which will make the school the South West hub for elite cricket training from summer 2025. Queen's College was also named in the Cricketer Schools Guide 2025 as one of the top 100 senior schools for cricket in England. Recent success stories include former student JT Langridge signing a professional contract with Somerset, and nine current pupils being selected for county age-group pathways.
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Comfort boxes helping cancer patients at Glasgow hospital
On July 11, the charity Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA) delivered 10 "patient comfort boxes" to Glasgow Royal Infirmary to help those undergoing surgery for operable pancreatic cancer. The pilot boxes contain items specifically selected to meet patient needs. These include a body wrap for post-surgery pain, an eye mask and earplugs for sleeping in the hospital, antibacterial hand gel, thick socks, a water bottle, and a health information booklet on pancreatic cancer. Read more: Fundraiser gig announced for Glasgow DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour The charity conducted a national survey of patients and families with the assistance of Marie Lynn, a nurse based in Glasgow, to determine the contents of the boxes. This survey highlighted the different needs of patients undergoing surgery and those receiving chemotherapy. Plans are in place to launch a second, chemotherapy-specific box with support from the Beatson Cancer Unit. The boxes are being distributed by Marie, who is a PCA-funded nurse based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary's pancreatic unit. Feedback will be collected to evaluate their impact as the charity considers a broader rollout at other hospitals. Peter McGovern, a pancreatic cancer survivor who had surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said: "I think the patient boxes are a great idea. "I would have appreciated it when I was in for my surgery, especially the eye mask and earplugs for a perfect sleep." The boxes were made possible by the support of David Fitzpatrick, who has raised thousands of pounds for PCA after losing both his mother and brother to pancreatic cancer. (Image: Supplied) Read more: £14k of NHS laptops containing patient records stolen from Glasgow hospital Anthony Cummings, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: "These boxes may seem simple, but they carry a powerful message of care and support. "We are so grateful to David for his dedication to helping others in memory of his loved ones, and to nurse Marie and all the patients who helped shape this initiative. "We hope it brings real comfort to those going through treatment." The initiative is part of PCA's ongoing efforts to expand patient support schemes. PCA is encouraging people across the UK to take part in its Bake, Brew or BBQ summer campaign, where money raised could help patients and families affected by pancreatic cancer and ultimately, save lives. To participate, individuals can host a bake sale, coffee morning, BBQ, or garden gathering, invite friends, family, or colleagues to join, and raise funds to support vital pancreatic cancer awareness, research, and support services. Those looking to take part can sign up and get a free fundraising page at
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
PCA calls for cut to County Championship schedule to protect players' wellbeing
A Professional Cricketers' Association survey showed 83 per cent of its members held concerns about the physical impact of the schedule and two-thirds had worries from a mental-health standpoint. Counties have held discussions about changes to the calendar for next year, with Warwickshire seamer and PCA chair Olly Hannon-Dalby urging a cut in the amount of red-ball cricket. He said: 'We are at a critical moment regarding the future of professional cricketers in England and Wales. The schedule has always been a contentious issue and we have seen too many reviews with no change. 'But the feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow. 'A change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world.' An outcome on what the 2026 schedule will look like is expected this month and any modifications would require the backing of at least 12 of the 18 counties, some of whom have publicly expressed their preferences. Middlesex, Somerset and Surrey support the status quo of 14 matches, while Durham and Lancashire are in favour of a dozen games and a shake-up of the current two-division structure. PCA figures further highlighted more than three-quarters of men's players believe there is too much domestic cricket and 72 per cent feel the current programme is not conducive to high performance. England and Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes said: 'The players aren't trying to play less cricket because they don't want to – it's about being able to produce the best cricket on the field as possible.' Teams playing twice in two days in the Vitality Blast has long been a concern, with PCA chief executive Daryl Mitchell last year warning of the potential for 'disastrous' consequences on the roads. It seems likely the domestic English T20 competition will undergo a revamp and return to three groups of six – it is currently two sets of nine – with each team playing 12 instead of 14 games. But Mitchell said: 'The congestion of the intense schedule cannot be improved enough by losing two 20-over games across a six-month season alone.' England and Essex seamer Sam Cook added: 'You hear stories of people driving at three, four o'clock in the morning in the middle of back-to-back (Blast) games, which from a health and lifestyle perspective is not right. 'We want to see these decisions made before something serious happens. 'We're not able to perform to the highest level we can due to the current schedule. We've got some amazing talent and brilliant cricketers in the country. I think with reducing cricket, fans and supporters will see the standard go up.'
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
PCA calls for cut to County Championship schedule to protect players' wellbeing
A Professional Cricketers' Association survey showed 83 per cent of its members held concerns about the physical impact of the schedule and two-thirds had worries from a mental-health standpoint. Counties have held discussions about changes to the calendar for next year, with Warwickshire seamer and PCA chair Olly Hannon-Dalby urging a cut in the amount of red-ball cricket. He said: 'We are at a critical moment regarding the future of professional cricketers in England and Wales. The schedule has always been a contentious issue and we have seen too many reviews with no change. 'But the feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow. 'A change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world.' An outcome on what the 2026 schedule will look like is expected this month and any modifications would require the backing of at least 12 of the 18 counties, some of whom have publicly expressed their preferences. Middlesex, Somerset and Surrey support the status quo of 14 matches, while Durham and Lancashire are in favour of a dozen games and a shake-up of the current two-division structure. PCA figures further highlighted more than three-quarters of men's players believe there is too much domestic cricket and 72 per cent feel the current programme is not conducive to high performance. England and Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes said: 'The players aren't trying to play less cricket because they don't want to – it's about being able to produce the best cricket on the field as possible.' Teams playing twice in two days in the Vitality Blast has long been a concern, with PCA chief executive Daryl Mitchell last year warning of the potential for 'disastrous' consequences on the roads. It seems likely the domestic English T20 competition will undergo a revamp and return to three groups of six – it is currently two sets of nine – with each team playing 12 instead of 14 games. But Mitchell said: 'The congestion of the intense schedule cannot be improved enough by losing two 20-over games across a six-month season alone.' England and Essex seamer Sam Cook added: 'You hear stories of people driving at three, four o'clock in the morning in the middle of back-to-back (Blast) games, which from a health and lifestyle perspective is not right. 'We want to see these decisions made before something serious happens. 'We're not able to perform to the highest level we can due to the current schedule. We've got some amazing talent and brilliant cricketers in the country. I think with reducing cricket, fans and supporters will see the standard go up.'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
PCA calls for cut to County Championship schedule to protect players' wellbeing
A Professional Cricketers' Association survey showed 83 per cent of its members held concerns about the physical impact of the schedule and two-thirds had worries from a mental-health standpoint. Counties have held discussions about changes to the calendar for next year, with Warwickshire seamer and PCA chair Olly Hannon-Dalby urging a cut in the amount of red-ball cricket. He said: 'We are at a critical moment regarding the future of professional cricketers in England and Wales. The schedule has always been a contentious issue and we have seen too many reviews with no change. 'But the feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow. 'A change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world.' An outcome on what the 2026 schedule will look like is expected this month and any modifications would require the backing of at least 12 of the 18 counties, some of whom have publicly expressed their preferences. Middlesex, Somerset and Surrey support the status quo of 14 matches, while Durham and Lancashire are in favour of a dozen games and a shake-up of the current two-division structure. PCA figures further highlighted more than three-quarters of men's players believe there is too much domestic cricket and 72 per cent feel the current programme is not conducive to high performance. England and Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes said: 'The players aren't trying to play less cricket because they don't want to – it's about being able to produce the best cricket on the field as possible.' Teams playing twice in two days in the Vitality Blast has long been a concern, with PCA chief executive Daryl Mitchell last year warning of the potential for 'disastrous' consequences on the roads. It seems likely the domestic English T20 competition will undergo a revamp and return to three groups of six – it is currently two sets of nine – with each team playing 12 instead of 14 games. But Mitchell said: 'The congestion of the intense schedule cannot be improved enough by losing two 20-over games across a six-month season alone.' England and Essex seamer Sam Cook added: 'You hear stories of people driving at three, four o'clock in the morning in the middle of back-to-back (Blast) games, which from a health and lifestyle perspective is not right. 'We want to see these decisions made before something serious happens. 'We're not able to perform to the highest level we can due to the current schedule. We've got some amazing talent and brilliant cricketers in the country. I think with reducing cricket, fans and supporters will see the standard go up.'
