Walker treads new path

Alexia Walker has become the youngest ever candidate to gain the ECB Level Four Coaching Certificate - the highest cricket coaching qualification in this country.

The 27-year-old, who is Sussex women’s captain and led England women’s academy last year, spent the last two and a half years working towards the Level Four qualification and is only the third woman ever to complete the course.

“The Level Four process was highly challenging and thoroughly enjoyable," she said.

Alexia Walker lifts the Women's County Championship last year after Sussex held off Kent to be crowned champions

"I am thankful to the ECB, Loughborough University, my mentor Graham Dilley and England cricketer Nicky Shaw for their continued support of my development as a coach.

"I am very proud of this achievement and am looking forward to the next chapter in my coaching career which starts in earnest at Brighton College, a prolific cricket school.”

Walker recently left her post as Cricket Performance Manager at Loughborough University to join Brighton College as the first ever female Director of Cricket to be appointed in a public school in this country.

Alongside her work with the Brighton College boys and girls, Walker will also be coaching the Sussex junior girls’ squads throughout the winter.

Gordon Lord, Head of Elite Coaching, was pleased to welcome Walker to Level Four status.

“Alexia is an outstanding young coach who has integrated effectively her knowledge and understanding of cricket, elite performance, coaching, sport science, leadership and management into her coaching practice," he said.

"Her contribution to the Level Four programme has been significant and we are delighted that she has achieved the qualification.”