From Lord’s to King’s

Injury-hit Young Cricketer set to study for new career

Jamie Thorpe, from Southgate in North London, caught the attention of MCC Head Coach Clive Radley as a 19-year-old. Clive was impressed both by Jamie’s talent and his enthusiasm for cricket. “He was a top lad, and showed real promise,” says Clive. “He offered our squad that extra option as a quick left-armer, and I was genuinely excited by his long-term prospects.” A contract was duly offered and Jamie joined the MCC Young Cricketers in July 2002.

Unfortunately, in his second season with the Club, Jamie fell victim to the curse of many a fast bowler – a stress fracture of the back. He received first-class medical care and subsequently worked hard with MCC coaches to remodel his action in an attempt to prevent the problem recurring. The remedial work on his action reduced his potency, however, and it became evident that he was never going to develop into the bowler he had originally displayed the potential to be.

“It was hugely frustrating, for MCC and particularly for Jamie himself,” says Clive. “We gave him all the support we could, slowly building him back up to fitness. He was still as enthusiastic as ever and put his heart into his rehabilitation, but he had lost the ability to swing the ball, which is a vital part of the left-armer’s armoury. We all knew deep down that the spark was no longer there, and he would never make it as a professional cricketer.”

The harsh reality meant some serious soul searching for Jamie. “It was a scary point in my life; my plans were shattered and I didn’t feel in control,” he remembers. “I’d been so focussed on a cricket career that I hadn’t stopped to think what I might do if it didn’t work out.”

Jamie discussed his options with Monica Jennings, the Head of School for Sports Science at the City of Westminster College, who sits on the Young Cricketers’ Working Party. Monica is available to offer pastoral and educational advice, and works with MCC to deliver a series of pre- and post-season vocational training courses for the Young Cricketers at the College.

“Of course it is sad when young players are forced to abandon their hopes of a cricket career, but MCC and I work together to ensure that people like Jamie know they have alternatives,” explains Monica. “Jamie sought advice at exactly the right time, and we were able to consider various options. He already had some good ideas, and I encouraged him to explore those further.”

“While I was injured, I had spent a lot of time on the physio’s bench, and became fascinated by the science of it,” says Jamie. “Once it became clear that I didn’t have a realistic prospect of becoming a professional cricketer, I began to take even more of an interest. I talked it over with Monica. She was very supportive, and suggested gaining some relevant work experience.”

MCC was keen to help and, through its links with the local Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, arranged for Jamie to shadow a first-class team of physiotherapists, which helped to convince him that this was the career path he now wanted to follow. “My own experiences had shown me what a huge difference physiotherapy can make to people who are having problems with their mobility. Having the opportunity to see these guys at work only made me more enthusiastic. I made up my mind to go for it.”

Then, he hit a stumbling block. His A-levels, taken at a time when he hoped that playing cricket would be his means of making a living, were not sufficient to enable him to apply for a physiotherapy course at one of the top academic institutions. Fortunately, Monica could offer a solution. She helped Jamie secure a place on an Access course at the City of Westminster College which would enable him to gain enough UCAS points, and the appropriate background knowledge, to apply for the leading courses.

Then there was the issue of funding. Before committing to the Access course and a three year degree, Jamie had to be sure that he would be able to pay his tuition fees and support himself through university. Again, MCC could provide assistance. All former YCs may apply for an annual scholarship to help fund academic courses undertaken after leaving the staff at Lord’s. Jamie received a grant of £1,300, which helped him meet the City of Westminster College tuition fees, and will be able to claim a similar amount each year throughout his degree course.

The Access course successfully completed, Jamie applied to three well-respected physiotherapy degree courses. “I’d have been pleased to get a place anywhere, but King’s College, London, was the one I really wanted. The course is excellent, and came highly recommended by everyone I talked to about it. The guys at MCC and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth were brilliant, really encouraging throughout the application process. I was over the moon when I heard I’d got on to the course at King’s – not just for myself, but for everyone who had helped and put their faith in me.”

Monica Jennings is not surprised that Jamie has been successful. “Having got to know him during his time at Lord’s, I knew that Jamie would approach the new challenge with tenacity and determination. He has made excellent use of the system that MCC has put in place and I am delighted that everything has fallen into place for him. It is no less than he deserves.”

Jamie begins his course in October 2006 and, all being well, will qualify as a physiotherapist in July 2009. Having previously worked with children through cricket coaching, and having greatly enjoyed interacting with young people, he hopes to specialise in paediatric physiotherapy.

“The MCC Young Cricketers has really set me up for life – not the life I originally expected, but still one that I am really looking forward to. I can’t wait to begin my course, qualify, and start helping other people to overcome their injuries and disabilities. I shall always be grateful to MCC for giving me this opportunity.”