FOUR top Kent sports coaches have joined forces to bring a new multi-sport perspective to their courses. Ashford's cricket development officer Peter Moralee has recruited top football coaches Mark Beeney from Maidstone and former Ashford Town manager Neil Cugley to bring a new angle to his winter training programme for the district's most promising young players.

Also bringing an input from the highest levels of the sport is Friars teacher Darren Scott, the former Kent player, who will be adding his expertise to the project. Said Moralee: "This is an idea that the ECB have introduced by going to the country Premier clubs to see if their training programmes would benefit cricket.

"I have just decided to introduce it at this level by making use of coaches like Mark and Neil to see how their techniques can be used for our sport. Cricketers today work just as hard as football players and I am sure they will benefit from improved endurance and stamina work."

Many of the training drills used by goalkeepers can be adapted for use by wicketkeepers and close fielders and this is where former Football League goalkeeper Mark Beeney will bring his influence. Beeney, now manager at Sittingbourne in the Dr Martens League and a coach with Chelsea, is also a useful cricketer and has had a top class career between the posts at clubs like Maidstone United, Gillingham, Brighton and Leeds.

Cugley, the Folkestone Invicta boss, is an experienced coach who is a great believer in instilling high levels of fitness in his squads. The quartet will work together at various times in the Ashford programme from October 6 with the aim of bringing more success for the district squads. Moralee, Scott and Cugley are also providing coaching sessions for all youngsters at the Friars School at Great Chart during the school holidays.

Darren will holding multi-sport coaching and games for youngsters between five and 13 from August 5-9. Anyone wanting more details can contact him on 01233 661342. Peter holds his coaching sessions for cricket from the 12-16 but with most courses already well filled and from the 19-23 Neil is holding a soccer funweek at the school from 9.30-3pm each day. For more details contact Neil on 01303 266436 or 07770 558578. August 19-21, 9am-12, £12.50. On August 22-23 is a Brazilians Soccer skills badge course at the centre, 9am-12, £10. Contact Ben Moyle on 01233 330475 or mobile: 07867 506954.