About Us
The AHCA is a performance cricket academy based in Reading, Berkshire. The AHCA was founded by head coach Aftab Habib with one core vision, ‘to produce professional cricketers’.
It is this core vision which shapes our academy, high performance coaching puts all our boys through their paces maximizing cricketing and athletic development.
Our structured program is unparalleled compared to anything else in the Berkshire area, 85% of those on our program represent their respective counties. Special emphasis on all facets of the game, including fitness and tactical awareness ensures that our players are ahead of their peers.
Our Head Coach, Aftab Habib
Aftab, affectionately known as Affie, enjoyed a distinguished first class career, scoring more than 8000 first class runs. Starting his career at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Affie quickly made a name for himself as a flamboyant attacking batsman. Aftabs consistent performances with the bat earned him a call up to the England test side.
2006 was the year Aftab retired from professional cricket and embarked on a career in coaching. The following year, saw him take up the position of Hong Kong head coach. Widely regarded as Hong Kong’s most successful coach he transformed Hong Kong cricket by introducing a level of cricketing professionalism never seen before. This was reflected by Hong Kong’s success on the field, most notable their first ever qualification for the Asia Cup in 2008.
Aftab’s Achievements
Affie has worked with some of the best players in the world, including, Kumar Sangakkara, Shahid Afridi, Jade Dernbach and many more. He has taken those learnings and is now helping produce quality cricketers with the work he does at his academy.
- Won the ACC Champions Trophy with Hong Kong 2008
- Qualified for the 2008 Asia Cup alongside India & Pakistan
- Winner of the womens ACC T20 with Hong Kong
- Winners of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup leading to U-19 World Cup qualification
- Afghanistan National Head Coach 2011
Our Assistant Coaches
Hammad is 1st team captain, club captain & head of senior training at Theale & Tilehurst Cricket Club.
He’s worked on various different cricketing projects including the Reading/Slough ECB T20 city cup team, Reading & Slough MCC Hubs and been involved in various different chance2shine projects in Reading.
Vijay is a Level 2 coach working towards starting his Level 3. He currently working with Crowthorne & Crownwood youth teams with a special focus on creating county pathway players.
Vijay has experience in working with boys and girls of all ages with particular focus on fast bowling.
Alec, affectionately referred to as “Titch”, is a Level 2 coach and someone who was part of the county pathway for most of his youth playing career.
A sharp wicketkeeper, you’ll often see him apply his trade at Theale & Tilehurst Cricket Club.
Alec has a real understanding on how to create and get participants to excel within performance environments. A real asset to the team who connects well with boys and girls now going through the same process and pathway he was a part-of.
Andrea looks after our “minis”. Her sessions reflect her personality, fun and energetic. Andrea is also vice-captain for our senior advanced academy. A natural leader who knows how to bring the best out of people.
It is this attribute that she transfers so well into her “mini” sessions which translates into thinking cricketers from a young age!
Meet our strength and conditioning coach, Phil Hoy. Phil was part of the England U-19s Rugby team.
It is Phil’s job to ensure that our academy boys and girls have an understanding of fitness and nutrition. As-well as leading fitness sessions, he measures current fitness and sets individual targets. All participants will have a plan drawn out by Phil.