Joris van Oosterom: Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy is recommended, even if you travel alone

Joris van Oosterom: "Last year I got my VWO diploma and decided to take a gap year to fully focus on cricket. There were a number of different options that appealed to me including New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The only 'problem' I had is that I was all alone; No one my age that I knew was planning to play cricket abroad like I did. 

The fact that I was alone drew me to South Africa, because I had heard many good stories from the Gary Kirsten High Performance Athlete Programme. In the Academy there is a group of 22 guys from all over the world: South Africa, England, Scotland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, America and of course the Netherlands. Everyone comes to the Academy as individuals, so everyone has to get to know people. Because of this, I believe that traveling alone is not a problem or a disadvantage, but rather an advantage." 

"The coaches include Derek Mitchell, Jimmy Cook, Justin Kemp, Ryan van Niekerk and Gary Kirsten himself. So there is certainly no lack of quality in coaching and experience."

"Due to a small injury in February, I had bowled a little less for a few weeks, but I had made progress in my batting. Last week I was also strong against Western Province Academy with an opening partnership of 90 runs." 

"I also signed up as a member of Western Province Cricket Club, where I play in the third team. Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt and Derek Mitchell, among others, also play at this club." 

"Especially if you are traveling alone, but also in a group, the Gary Kirsten Academy is highly recommended for young talents. You get to know new people, you play cricket every day (which is not always possible in the Netherlands) and you get training from very good coaches with an incredible amount of experience."