Directors
Bryan and David formed Centurion Community Cricket in 2022. As well as being the company directors they lead most of the coaching delivery.
Bryan McManus
Director / Coach
Bryan has been involved with cricket for over 40 years, starting as a young boy at school and progressing to adult cricket when he was 14.
Bryan started playing for Clacton Ramblers, moved on to Clacton Cricket Club and eventually finished playing at St Osyth CC, where he started his coaching career.
He took over the colts section, becoming a level 1 coach in 2005, and in 2008 completed his level 2 qualification, at the same time Bryan became the clubs Welfare Officer, which he held for 12 years. He was instrumental in the club achieving their Club Mark and the ongoing accreditation.
In 2020 Bryan joined the North Essex District coaching team.
As well as the coaching, Bryan is keen to help clubs develop all aspects of their club, from colts, women/girls, and adults, through to increasing participation from a playing aspect through to volunteering.
David Digby
Director / Coach
David has been a cricket lover since the age of 11. Having previously played cricket in his native SE London, Edinburgh, and Berwick-Upon-Tweed, it was at Abberton & District CC in Essex that he discovered coaching.
Starting in 2008 with Kwik Cricket, David moved through all age groups at one stage or another. David qualified as a ECB Level 2 coach in 2011, completing the CPD workshops in 2013. He took the reigns at Abberton in 2014 running a hugely successful colts programme for the club until he stepped up to work at district level with North Essex in 2017/18. In 2021 David completed a Diploma in Sports Coaching with the Root Academy. In 2023 David qualified as an ECB Advanced Coach (level 3).
As well as coaching David has been a Welfare/Safeguarding officer for 9 years and has overseen successful clubmark accreditation for Abberton on 3 occasions.
David is a passionate coach and leader who strives to make cricket fun and aims to get players to develop in all aspects of the game.
Coaches
Rowan Hunt
Rowan has been a keen cricketer since the age of 3. Progressing through the age groups at Brightlingsea CC and North Essex. He is now Sunday captain and leading all rounder at the club.
Rowan has been coaching for 5 years and has coached players of all ages and abilities including girls and disability sections. He has a degree in Sports Science, level 4 Strength and Conditioning, and level 3 Personal Training. He is an ECB Core Coach and looks to combine all those skills in his work with Centurion Community Cricket.
Rowan wants to share his enthusiasm for cricket and maximise participation for all.
Sam Blackman
Sam joins us with a wealth of knowledge and experience, but most importantly a passion to bring joy to children of all abilities, through cricket.
As Sam himself says:
“Cricket must be fun, which is always my priority. With the use of a varied adaptable programme, I am able to tailor sessions for all abilities. Keeping players active and engaged throughout.
Effort and courage is more important to me than ability. Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Having worked as a Teaching Assistant for the last 15 years, and coaching cricket professionally for over 10 years, we hope you, like us, feel Sam is the right coach to inspire all players to enjoy the game, or at least give it a go.
Nathan Schofield
Nathan was introduced to cricket by his Dad (a prolific local player and coach himself) and grew up at Kelvedon and Feering CC with his younger brothers. He represented North Essex from U11 and was captain of the side at both U13 and U15. He currently play 1st team cricket at Abberton & District CC and captains Colchester Royal Grammar School.
Nathan began coaching aged 15 at Kelvedon assisting his dad run the U10s side. Since then he has coached all ages at the club and younger pupils at CRGS. This winter he has worked alongside the North Essex U15s programme whilst completing his ECB Core Coach qualification.
Nathan tries to maximise fun and engagement, and help players enjoy competition (regardless of the result) as much as possible.
James Carver-Hardy
James has been playing cricket since he was 3 years old, mainly thanks to his Dad who plays. Starting out at Great Bromley and moving to Harwich, James also played at Aberystwyth University in their 1st team.
He has helped coaching cricket for over 5 years, covering all ages from primary school to university students. James is an ECB core coach (level 2) and holds a level 3 qualification in sports coaching.
James aims to share his love of cricket and sport with all participants. He looks forward to new coaching oppurtunities with CCC and their players.
Everyone Else
Melanie Hawkins
Melanie is a pre-school teacher and former primary school teacher. She takes the lead on our mailing list and social media channels. Using her experience of primary education she ensures the schools programme fits the needs of teachers. Melanie is also trained in EDI and Child Psychology.
Chris
Southernwood
'Frosty' has joined Centurion in 2023 to help cover the Fearnley Cricket Store pop up shops. He is a well known figure in local cricket and loves chatting to people about the game and all our products. Look out for him at an event near you.
Sharon McManus
Sharon helps out behind the scenes and you'll see her at the occasional event with Bryan. Her experience in the clothing industry ensures our clothing items and designs are up to the highest standards.
Kayleigh McManus
Kayleigh helps out at some of our school holiday camps. She is a qualified child worker with first aid qualifications. Her passion for working with younger children is a great asset come holiday times.
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