Our coaches’ quartet – Mark Smallwood (Black Cats), James Wojda (Hawks), Paul Allen (Pirates) and Duncan Green (Tridents) – shared their hopes in a chat before the Disability Premier League started this summer.
What keeps you coming back to DPL?
Duncan Green (DG): Simple. The passion and enthusiasm of everyone involved – it’s a privilege to be part of it. I’ve been lucky enough to work with players, coaches and support staff who share a vision, passion and drive for development, which makes working in this environment a pleasure. Making a positive impact in unlocking and achieving the full potential of so many people’s lives is both motivational and empowering – I’ve built relationships and bonds that go far beyond cricket.
Paul Allen (PA): Having been involved in deaf and disability cricket for 22 years, the progress – and the lasting impact being made – is truly inspiring and something I cherish. This role allows me to be part of something bigger than the sport itself – demonstrating that cricket is a game for everyone, regardless of physical or sensory challenges. The camaraderie and shared vision within our coaching quartet makes this journey even more fulfilling. We’ve developed a unique synergy and understanding that enhances our approach and makes our sessions not only educational, but also incredibly enjoyable for the players. Every step forward is a testament to what we can achieve together.
Mark Smallwood (MS): The environment, the opportunity to continue to work with the same coaches over the winter with a different cohort of players, shaping an environment to hopefully create success is really exciting. I enjoy working with these guys; we all offer different skills and insights, but as a quartet it works really well.
James Wojda (JW): As part of the pilot year and seeing the growth of the competition since, I feel I still have lots to offer in playing my small part in that continuing rise. Leading the Hawks to success last year was a career highlight, but the driving force for me is the culture and positivity within the environment.
Player to watch in DPL 2024?
DG: Plenty of established national team players and DPL regulars will no doubt have a massive impact. For Tridents, Liam O’Brien and Chris Edwards (Tridents) are proven matchwinners. But I’m also looking forward to seeing how the new arrivals go. Owen Piper & Ben Williams have added depth to the Black Cats’ batting, Kevin Cooper (Hawks) and Joe Moss (Pirates) can influence games through their power-hitting, and Luke James (Tridents) is a highly skilled wicketkeeper/ batter.
JW: The obvious answer is Callum Flynn – a standout across the three years – I think there’s still a lot to come from him. A new arrival who impressed over the winter was Luke James, a keeper-batter. I’m excited to see how he expresses his natural flair.
PA: Outside of the international players, Joe Moss – playing his D40 cricket for Essex – is a young, exciting, natural prospect with immense potential. Skilled with bat and ball, his ability to adapt to different situations will make him a formidable opponent and an asset to the Pirates. I’m confident Joe will have a fantastic debut tournament.
MS: Angus Brown – got the first DPL hundred last year – hopefully he can recreate that form. Gus can manage different situations, be it through using his power and ability to find the boundary, or manipulating the ball and running teams ragged. Brendon Parr has taken the DPL – and now England PD – in his stride. He’s exciting to watch with his powerful striking, hopefully not against us!
Do you have a standout DPL memory?
DG: The camaraderie. It makes no difference which DPL or national squad the players are in. All are fully aware of each other’s needs and support each other thoughtfully when facing adversity – from training camps to tournament. It’s what makes the programme so special. Regardless of who triumphs overall, the players understand the tournament, and what it means, is bigger than themselves.
JW: In terms of outcomes, winning in 2023, and losing just once in the group stages was incredible. So many positive moments – but seeing players grow and performing on the main stage live on Sky Sports is right up there.
PA: Many! Finals stand out on a personal level, but the entire experience is incredible, from planning winter training sessions to the final game. One of the most-rewarding parts is getting to know the players, coaches, and support team. Trying to help create a unique, fulfilling environment, seeing players grow, resonates deeply and sums up what DPL is all about. It’s a pleasure to be involved in something so impactful and inspiring.
MS: Plenty that are cricket related but seeing everyone back together after not seeing each other for a while – talking about the days you’ve had and seeing the community that the DPL is creating is something special.
Which of your players’ skills would you most like?
DG: Liam O’Brien’s decision-making capabilities. Watching him bat it seems like he has a response to any problem: he makes quick, smart and calculated decisions in a fraction of a second. This ability makes him a threat to any bowler. As he’s regularly shown, he can take a game away from the opposition in an instant.
JW: Callum Flynn – a dominant batter in all formats, with the skill to clear the ropes in high-pressured moments, and the knowledge when to rotate and rebuild.
PA: I’d love to have had their opportunities to play in such a fantastic tournament. There’s nothing better than applying your skills against the best in the country and, in some cases, the world. The experience, competition, and camaraderie these players enjoy is invaluable. It’s inspiring to see how this platform helps them grow and showcases their talents at such a high level.
MS: All the boys are really talented with different skill sets – it’s hard to pinpoint one. Sorry for sitting on the fence!
What is the DPL doing for the disability game?
DG: It has become the flagship of domestic disability cricket, with a positive effect on the landscape, inside and outside of this country. The shared drive of everyone involved to make cricket as visible and accessible as possible for those with impairments has changed lives. We’ve seen it first hand at winter training camps; the standard of those coming through the county system is proof of that. In turn, that raises standards and expectations – and creates healthy competition – for the national squads.
JW: It has had a huge impact. Players who had retired have returned; it has been a performance pathway for young cricketers. Most importantly, cricketers with disabilities now have a real platform to showcase their talent. Sky Sports’ coverage has raised awareness of the levels of ability, which still have room to grow. As a coaching group, we’ve become close friends off the field, while very competitive on it. I can’t wait to go again – 2024 is going to be bigger and better.
MS: The DPL is creating more opportunities for players and coaches to work in great environments that are growing year on year. It is creating a clear pathway and showcasing the skill levels of all involved, showing people that anything is possible, and that cricket is a game for all.
PA: The DPL is revolutionising the disability game by providing a platform where talent and passion shine, regardless of physical or sensory challenges. For players, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to compete at a high level and show that disability is no barrier to excellence. As coaches, the DPL is equally transformative – it challenges us to think creatively, adapt, and continually learn from the players and each other. But being part of the DPL is not just about the game; it’s about contributing to a movement that celebrates diversity, resilience, and the unifying power of sport. It’s an honour to be involved in something making such a significant impact on individuals and the broader community.