“OCA players are recognized globally for being at world class standards”
— Derek Perera
Based in Mississauga, the Ontario Cricket Academy program was founded in 2003 by Derek Perera. The academy program became the flagship of the Ontario Cricket Development Organization. By 2004, the OCA became the first cricket academy in North America to run programs in a dedicated indoor facility for the purpose of training players throughout the year.
The academy’s strength is in the development of players through the highest standard of coaching and programs. Since the early days, the academy has continued to move from “strength to strength”, winning division titles from Under 13 to Seniors.
OCA’s focus and aim is to provide the best coaching and playing opportunities, and as such, over the years many international and first class coaches have visited the academy for coaching camps, including Sanath Jayasuriya, Ian Frazier (of the Chappellway and Greg Chappell’s assistant), Robin Singh (India Fielding Coach), Ashok Malhotra (former India Test player) and Ian Pont.
In addition to coaching and grooming players locally, the OCA has undertaken five international tours for youth age group teams. In 2009,2010, 2013 and 2014 the U-18 team traveled to Trinidad and Tobago, performing creditably and earning praise as “the best prepared youth team coming out of North America” from top Trinidad coach Kumar Rampat. After the impressing on the first tour of 2009, the OCA was awarded a match against the Trinidad and Tobago National U-16 team in 2010, which is an opportunity seldom made available to touring academy sides.
In March 2011 the OCA created history as the first North American club or academy to tour Sri Lanka. The tour created a lot of interest from the local press, especially since the OCA was welcomed by Sri Lanka Cricket. Again, the OCA was awarded matches against national representative sides at international cricket stadiums, usually only reserved for national teams.
In 2010, it was decided to officially recognize the “club” section on its own, as the membership has greatly increased over the years. The Ontario Cricket Academy and Club fields four senior teams from Elite to Third Division in the Toronto and District league, as well as five youth teams from U-13 to U-19.
As a result of the efforts to provide top level coaching and playing opportunities, many OCA&C players have gone on to represent Canada at all youth age group levels in international cricket tournaments. As well there have been some OCA&C players who have had the opportunity to train and play individually in other countries. The continued hard work and efforts of the OCA&C coaches, players, members and supporters will ensure greater honours in the future.
“The continued hard work and efforts of the OCA&C coaches, players, members and supporters will ensure greater honours in the future”
— Derek Perera
OUR TRADITION
- Train hard, play hard
- Throughout the years we have created a name for ourselves as one of the top cricket academies in this part of the world! As a group we have worked tirelessly to create our reputation for success.
- We urge our players at all levels to, "work harder than the rest to be better than the rest!
OUR MISSION
- To provide the highest standard of coaching and programs for all age
- To provide a safe and healthy environment, conducive to development
- To provide the best playing opportunities for our players
- To provide assistance and guidance for players to help them achieve their goals