howzat! The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) is the representative body of past and present professional cricketers in England and Wales.
R
ichard Morris, Commercial Operations Lead at the PCA, explains how the PCA supports its members, and highlights the importance of commercial partners in supporting the PCA’s important initiatives. Formed in 1967, the two main strands of the PCA’s work are to offer clear and comprehensive contractual advice, and to deliver an industry-leading Personal Development and Welfare Programme (PDWP) to its 3,500 current members.
Rookie Camp
On top of providing services including mental health support, one of the key aims of the PDWP is to help players to better prepare for life after cricket, since the average career in the professional game comes to an end at the age of just 26.
Taking place every February, Rookie Camp brings together players who have recently signed their first professional contracts, for a day of seminars and workshops to help them better understand what it means to be a professional cricketer.
To facilitate this, the PCA provides career workshops to its members, as well as education funding to encourage players to broaden their horizons and consider life after the game.
Topics covered at the most recent Rookie Camp included anti-corruption, legal support, social media, and gambling addictions, and attendants were also treated to exclusive Q&As with England stars including Rob Key, Tim Bresnan and Anya Shrubsole.
The PCA is reliant on its loyal commercial partners like Lodders to continue providing such services to players. A partnership with the PCA is mutually beneficial, however, as partners are able to activate a range of rights including marketing, events and hospitality, and access to our diverse and talented membership, many of whom move into second careers in areas such as law.
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Lodders Life Issue 7
FEATURE: PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS’ ASSOCIATION
The PCA is committed to protecting the interests of younger players, and runs an annual Rookie Camp to induct newcomers into the professional game.
Though Rookie Camp took place via Zoom in 2021, the PCA hopes to return to Edgbaston Stadium to continue providing education for emerging professionals in 2022 and beyond.
