As the first signs of spring appear and cricket season is just around the corner, Railway Union Cricket Club’s Youth Section is gearing up for an exciting and action-packed 2025 season.

Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to build on last year’s success or a newcomer eager to learn the game, now is the perfect time to get involved.

With a focus on development, fun, and competitive cricket, we’re ready to take our youth section to new heights this season. From dedicated coaching to a range of exciting camps and programs, here’s what you can expect as we prepare for an unforgettable year.

This season, we are thrilled to welcome Lotli Sesele, (subject to work permit & visa), a highly qualified, experienced youth coach from South Africa, as our Director of Youth Coaching. He will bring a wealth of cricket knowledge and expertise to the club.

Lotli is currently assistant coach with the Knights franchise in South Africa, but before coaching, played a number of years as a professional player both in South Africa, England and The Netherlands.

Lotli is a SA Level 4 coach, (the highest level) and has a lot of coaching experience and a proven track record of developing young talent, Lotli is committed to nurturing our players and helping them reach their full potential.

Lotli’s philosophy is built on developing technical mastery, mental resilience, and creating a strong work ethic, all within a strong Club atmosphere. His extensive experience in youth cricket, both in South Africa and internationally, will provide our players with a unique learning opportunity, with a focus on creating well-rounded cricketers.

From the youngest players just starting out to the more experienced teens aiming to take their game to the next level, Lotli will be working closely with all age groups, delivering sessions that are both challenging and fun.

Exciting Easter Camps: Start Your Season Strong

To get the season underway, we’re running a series of Easter Cricket Camps for players of all ages. These camps will offer young cricketers the perfect opportunity to develop their skills ahead of the summer season. Whether you want to focus on batting, bowling, fielding, or all-round skills, our Easter Camps are designed to give players the individual attention they need to improve.

Under the guidance of Coach Lotli and the rest of our coaching team, players will participate in dynamic training sessions, practice match scenarios, and skills development drills. These camps are a fantastic way to get match-ready, make new friends, and kickstart your season with a fresh focus.

Camp Dates:

1) Monday April 14th to Thurs 17th April and 2) Tuesday 22nd April to Friday 18th April.
Further details to follow shortly.

Summer Academy: Your Path to Progress

In addition to the Easter camps, and normal youth training, we will be running an Academy program throughout the summer. This academy is designed for players who want to commit to more intensive training, focusing on long-term development in a structured environment.

The Summer Academy will provide a blend of skill-based sessions, match play, fitness training, and mental conditioning. Players will get the chance to develop their game under the watchful eye of Coach Lotli, receiving personalized coaching and detailed feedback to improve their technique.

The Academy will run throughout the summer months, offering weekly training sessions that build upon skills and knowledge gained during pre-season and Easter camp. The goal is to keep players engaged, challenged, and motivated all summer long.

Academy Dates:

Weekly sessions: June–August (Exact dates to be confirmed)

Skill-Specific Sessions: Master Your Craft

This season, we’re introducing Skill-Specific Training Sessions, focusing on different aspects of the game to ensure every player has the opportunity to work on their individual strengths and areas for improvement.

These sessions consist of 4 one-hour sessions, run weekly and will cover:

Batting Masterclass: Technical drills, shot selection, and building consistency.
Bowling Fundamentals: Developing pace, spin, and accuracy, along with strategies for different formats.
Fielding Excellence: Reflex training, catching, throwing, and positioning.
Wicketkeeping Clinics: Techniques, footwork, and decision-making for aspiring keepers.
By attending these targeted sessions, players can sharpen specific aspects of their game, ensuring that they go into the season with a well-rounded skill set.

Skill-Specific Sessions Dates: Summer 2025 (Further details will be provided)

An Inclusive, Fun Environment

At Railway Union, we believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every player, regardless of skill level, can thrive. Whether you’re here to make lifelong friends or to push yourself towards competitive cricket, we’re committed to fostering a love for the game and developing strong, resilient young cricketers.

Our youth section is a community that values inclusivity, teamwork, and sportsmanship above all else. Cricket is a fantastic way to build confidence, challenge yourself, and grow as an athlete – and our coaches and team are here to support you every step of the way.

How to Get Involved
With so many exciting opportunities this season, we encourage all young cricketers to get involved. Whether you’re looking to join one of our pre-season camps, sign up for the Summer Academy, or simply want to train in our skill-specific sessions, there’s a program for you.

We welcome players of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced, and we’re here to help you develop your game in a fun, engaging, and professional environment.

To register for the Easter camps, Summer Academy, or any of our Skill sessions,please email RUYOUTHCRICKET@GMAIL.COM. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a thriving cricket community and make the 2025 season your best one yet!

Here’s to an exciting season of growth, challenge, and, of course, cricket. Let’s get ready to play!

Calendar:

February onwards - Winter net sessions - start date to be advised.
March/April: ‘Smash It’ and ‘It’s Wicket’ Cricket Ireland programmes for beginners.
April: Easter Camps for all levels.
Youth training will start Tuesday 29th April
June/July/August: Academy/Skill specific Training Sessions

Indoor Practice Facility
As your probably aware, the new indoor facility is nearing completion, with only a few outstanding snag items to be resolved. The project team are working with the relevant contractors to get these addressed, and arrange the final sign-off.

We are hopeful that this work will be completed in the coming weeks, and we can formally open the facility and start training indoors.

We are still open to any financial support towards the build cost, so if you are in a position to help in any way please get in touch with any member of the committee.

Registration

For existing members, please update your child’s information on Pitchero. For new members, please fill out New Member Form on railwaycricket.com

Please register with Cricket Leinster at https://www.cricketleinster.ie/news/registration-for-the-2025-season-now-open