Academy and Club

Greg Chappell (Australian cricket legend and former India coach) and Ian Frazer (Sport Scientist and former India Assistant Coach)

What they had to say about the Ontario Cricket Academy:

"extremely impressed with the level of coaching taking place... great to hear that the youngsters are getting some good coaching"

Ian Pont (Bangladesh Bowling Coach, Northants CC Bowling Coach, MCI Head Coach and former county player)

"During Late July, 2010, I conducted a 7 day High Performance camp at the Ontario Cricket Academy in Mississauga.  I was very surprised and impressed with the skill levels, techniques, dedication and discipline the Academy players exhibited during my time at OCA.  Especially in the Elite/High Performance group. 
 
I look forward to returning back to Canada to do more camps with OCA, and commend Derek and his staff for the work they have and are currently putting in with these players."

Ashish Bagai (Captain of the Canada national team)

What Canada's captain Ashish Bagai had to say about OCA Coach Derek Perera:

"I have known Derek for 17 years as a cricketer and friend. In that time I have competed against Derek and played on the same team. I am happy that he is now using his talents and vast knowledge and background in the sport to help up and coming cricketers. I wish Derek all the best in his endeavours"

Kumar Rampat (WICB Regional Coach, Trinidad and Tobago National Development Coach)

"Derek, I am very pleased to see the kind of work you have done and are still doing with these young guys. They all demonstrate good knowledge of the game, competent skill levels, and an amazing team spirit.

As the former WICB Territorial Development Officer for Trinidad and Tobago (2003 - 2007), I have seen all the youth teams, visiting Trinidad and Tobago during this period, play cricket. I can easily say that this is the best prepared youth team coming out of North America that I have seen. There are also several youngsters who have displayed skill levels beyond their chronological age.

I sincerely salute you for the quality work you have put in to bring these guys to the level where they are."

Bennett King (Former West Indies, Queensland Bulls and Australian Cricket Academy Head Coach and current Australia Institute of Sport Head Coach)

On Derek Perera as a Canadian youth player in 1994:

"...Derek is a very gifted young player...he is the best junior player in Canada that I have seen..."

Darius D'Souza (Canada 'A' , Canada U-19 and Loughborough University MCCU player)

"I have been with Derek Perera and the Ontario Cricket Academy for over 7 years now. It started when Derek came to run a Clinic at my High School. It was there that he spotted my natural ability to hit the ball. He suggested that I come to train at the indoor centre that summer and it was there that he taught me more about the game.

The most important aspect about his coaching was that he didn’t try to mould a cricketer into a certain type of player, rather he took your natural abilities and made one into their own type of player.

At the end of the day, I came up right through his system and for whatever I have achieved is all due to his coaching. I encourage all up and comers who are looking to enjoy this sport, as well as try and develop their game, I would highly recommend Ontario Cricket Academy"

Tharindu Mendis (Sri Lanka First Class player)

"I am very proud to be OCA’s first overseas player (in 2010). I was very impressed by the talent and technique of the players at the academy. Many of the players have shown that they have the ability to play the game at a high level.

Derek has done a great job, and I wish him continued success!"

Samuel Robinson (Bermuda national youth and senior player and ICC U-21 Associates XI)

"I have known Derek since 1993 when we first played against each other in the ICC International U-19 tournament in Denmark. Again, in the same tournament in 1995 in Holland we competed against each other- and not too long after in 1996 we were both awarded a scholarship by ICC and MCC to play at Lord’s in England. 

We have been close friends since 1993 and I am very proud of Derek’s achievements. I played a match for OCA in 2010 and also coached some juniors. I was extremely impressed by the level of play.

Best of luck to Derek and the Ontario Cricket Academy and Club."

Dmitri Ratnayake (former South Africa U-19 squad member, Gauteng U-19 South Africa, Bloomfield CC U-23 Sri Lanka and Loughborough University (UK) MCCU)

"OCA is an incredible cricketing setup with talented players. I enjoyed every moment playing for the club and made some great friends along the way. It was truly satisfying to see the players of all ages come together and enjoy the beautiful game. The well run indoor facility and the experienced coaching staff helped me improve my game immensely. I am very grateful for their efforts in making me a better player and I wish OCA all the best in their upcoming seasons."