The academy was founded in 2005 by former representative cricketer Sid Lahiri. After more than 10 years of developing young cricketers as The Star Cricket Academy, we are now the Rajasthan Royals Academy based at Reed’s School in Cobham. We have an emphasis on developing the individual skill level of each player, using top quality coaching, equipment and facilities.
Meet the team…
The academy is supported by 5 full time coaching staff, and several other coaching and support staff:
Sid Lahiri
Academy Director
Sid is the head coach and founder of the academy and is an ECB Level 3 coach. Sid played representative cricket in India as an opening batsman for 11 years before moving to the UK. During his playing career he was fortunate enough to play alongside many distinguished cricketers. Sid is vastly experienced as a coach.He has helped many of his students play and excel in various County age group squads in Surrey and the surrounding Counties. Many of his students are now playing professional cricket at various counties. Sid is also one of the lead coaches at the The Royals Institute of Sport, Nagpur, India.
Sid has also previously been heavily involved with the Surrey County age group programme, taking various squads over the last 7 years.
Tom Tremewan
Head Coach
Tom was born in South Africa, and started developing his cricket with the Limpopo Province Cricket Academy in Polokwane. He emigrated to the UK in 2003, at the age of 13, where he played colts cricket locally before joining Guildford Cricket Club in 2008. Tom has played 1st XI cricket in the Surrey Premier league, enjoying the role of opening the batting.
Tom has a UKCC Level 2 Coaching Certificate, and is working towards his level 3. He has worked for Surrey County Cricket Club and on West District courses between 2008-2011.
A member of the team at the academy for the last 9 years, Tom is our head coaches and works with students of all standards, from club level to county age group standard. Tom is passionate about his coaching and works hard with his students to achieve the best outcomes.
Derek Agge
Senior Coaching Staff
Derek holds an ECB UKCC Level 2 qualification and is a very experienced player and coach. He has played senior cricket at Normandy CC, Godalming CC, Farncombe CC and Brook CC.
More recently, Derek has focused on coaching and player development, including coaching the England Deaf Cricket Team. Derek was lead coach at Godalming Cricket Club for 12 years, coaching both Colts and Senior teams. More recently, Derek has been coaching at Brook CC.
Derek is a left-arm spinner and powerful middle-order batsman.
Matthew Cussans
Senior Coaching Staff
Matt is an experienced UKCC Level 2 coach. He was head coach of the Surrey CC U9s for 14 years, coaching the county squads and district teams, and was Head of Cricket at St George’s Junior School for 3 years.
Matt is an opening batsman who has played cricket in the Surrey Premier League for Guildford CC and Weybridge CC, enjoying cricket tours to Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados during that time.
Marcus Ruffell
Senior Coaching Staff
Marcus is a versatile and energetic UKCC Level 2 coach.
Marcus played his cricket mainly for Lord Wandsworth College all the way though the age groups, and then later joined them as a Cricket and Rugby coach. Marcus also played for Farnham CC, Holybourne CC and the Surrey Cryptics.
Marcus played as a middle order batsman and a medium pace swing bowler, and later turned his hand to off-spin bowling.
Callum Green
Senior Coaching Staff
Callum is an ECB Level 2 qualified coach currently undergoing his ECB Advanced Coach Level 3.
Callum has a BSc in Sports Coaching from Loughborough University and his playing career includes representing Loughborough University, Maori Osxhott CC, Guildford CC and Normandy CC where he is a wicket keeper/batsman. Callum spent a year playing and coaching in Sydney. He has experience playing abroad and has been fortunate enough to play several times in the Caribbean and in Indian in Nagpur and Mumbai.
Braydon Dixon
Senior Coaching Staff
Braydon is a CSA Level 3 coach who has been involved in coaching for many years. A passionate coach, he has coached many provincial age groups and teams in South Africa. He has been the National Talent Scout for Cricket South Africa and involved with the National player pipeline.
A large percentage of Braydon’s trained players are performing at domestic and international level. He always strives to work hard in his sessions, lead from the front, and set a good example for all teams and players. He believes in combining correct cricket techniques with lessons and guidance in awareness, attitude, mental toughness, general sporting ethics and application. Braydon wants players to always learn but most importantly enjoy and love what they are doing. The owner of a very successful academy in South Africa he looks forward to working with future stars here and making a difference at the academy.
Neil Reynolds
An experienced UKCC Level 2 coach, Neil is dedicated to helping players of all abilities improve themselves, whilst having fun along the way.
Neil’s coaching philosophy is to keep the message simple , setting achievable goals through understanding the player’s mindset and approach. Incremental improvements are key. Neil particularly enjoys coaching bowling, both seam and spin.
Neil is an all-rounder and has played at Sunbury CC, Hersham CC and West End Esher.
Interests away from cricket include yoga, kung Fu and stand-up comedy.
Ella Clinton
Coaching Staff
Ella is an ECB Level 2 coach, she has been working at the Academy since 2020. She is a top order batsman and swing bowler who enjoys playing both men’s and women’s cricket.
Ella works at the Academy alongside her studies, she is a regular member of the team on term-time groups and holiday camps.
Alex Clinton
Coaching Staff
Alex is an ECB Level 2 coach and has worked with the Academy since 2016. He is currently at university and spends time at the Academy on holiday camps, groups and 1:1 coaching during holiday periods.
Alex is a top order batsman and off spin bowler.