ABOUT US
"To succeed, you need to take that gut feeling in what you believe and act on it with all of your heart" -Christy Borgeld
Mission:
- *To provide the highest standard of coaching and programs for all ages
- *To provide a safe and healthy environment, conducive to development
- *To provide the best playing opportunities for our players
- *To provide assistance and guidance for players to help them achieve their goals
History:
The Ontario Cricket Academy was founded in 2003 by Derek Perera and Mihir Dutta. In 2004, the OCA became the first cricket academy in North America to open up an indoor facility for the purpose of training players throughout the year.
The academy’s strength is in the development of players through the highest standard of coaching and programs. Since the early days, the academy has continued to move from “strength to strength”, winning division titles from Under 13 to Seniors.
OCA’s focus and aim is to provide the best coaching and playing opportunities, and as such, over the years many international and first class coaches have visited the academy for coaching camps. Ian Frazier (of the Chappellway and Greg Chappell’s assistant), Robin Singh (India Fielding Coach), Ashok Malhotra (former India Test player) and Ian Pont, are some of the internationally recognized coaches the have conducted cricket camps specifically for the OCA.
In addition to coaching and grooming players locally, the OCA has undertaken three international tours for youth age group teams. In 2009 and 2010, the U-17 team traveled to Trinidad and Tobago, performing creditably and earning praise as “the best prepared youth team coming out of North America” from top Trinidad coach Kumar Rampat. After the impressing on the first tour of 2009, the OCA was awarded a match against the Trinidad and Tobago National U-16 team in 2010, which is an opportunity seldom made available to touring academy sides.
In March 2011 the OCA created history as the first North American club or academy to tour Sri Lanka. The tour created a lot of interest from the local press, especially since the OCA was welcomed by Sri Lanka Cricket. Again, the OCA was awarded matches against national representative sides at international cricket stadiums, usually only reserved for national teams.
In 2010, it was decided to officially recognize the “club” section on its own, as the membership has greatly increased over the years. The Ontario Cricket Academy and Club fields four senior teams from Premier to Third Division in the Toronto and District league, as well as five youth teams from U-13 to U-19.
As a result of the efforts to provide top level coaching and playing opportunities, many OCA&C players have gone on to represent Canada at all youth age group levels in international cricket tournaments. As well there have been some OCA&C players who have had the opportunity to train and play individually in other countries. The continued hard work and efforts of the OCA&C coaches, players, members and supporters will ensure greater honours in the future.