Derek Perera is one name which runs synonymous with Canada Cricket. A man who has been associated with the sport since more than 3 decades. Derek began his cricketing journey at a very early age representing Canada at the age of 17. Derek made it in all major age groups including Canada U19, ICC World U21, Canada U23, followed by representing Canada Senior Team.
Derek made his First-Class Debut representing Nondescripts CC (Sri Lanka) in 1994/95 season while he went on to represent teams like Sandgate Radcliffe District (Australia), Bradninch CC and Cullompton CC (England) gaining world class global experience as a professional cricketer.
Derek made his International Debut in 1996 against the likes of Bangladesh followed by playing vs India which made him an overnight household name in Canada. As a Pro Cricketer, Derek had a prolific journey rising through the ranks and playing at almost every relevant levels.
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As a Cricket Coach
Post his cricketing journey, Derek made a foray into coaching and today he holds more than 25+ years of Professional Coaching Experience. Derek is often regarded as the best in the business instrumental in nurturing and producing many talents for Canada.
Since 1998 till date, the Coaching Legacy of Derek remains unrivalled as he has coached Canada U-15, U-19 and U-23 cricket teams & was also the first ever Performance Analyst for the Canadian National Senior cricket team helping them qualify for the World Cup in 2007. The ICC recognized Derek as one of the leading coaches in the continent by naming him as the Head Coach of the well renowned ICC Americas combined team in the 2016 West Indies Cricket Board ‘Nagico Super 50” tournament. Also, for the uninitiated, Derek is the founder and Head Coach of Ontario Cricket Academy founded in 2003 – which is amongst the best cricket academies in Canada.
In addition, Derek has undergone specialist cricket coach training at the MRF Pace Foundation under legendary Dennis Lillee and has been a part of ICC High Performance Workshops with the late Bob Woolmer and Richard Done.
Derek’s envious track record and passion for the game has also resulted in many players from Ontario Cricket Academy making it to the elite level and being called for stints in countries like India, Australia, West Indies, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
That’s not all, Derek is also one of the most knowledgeable and Qualified Cricket Coaches in the World. If one will only ponder at his certifications and degrees, the amount of knowledge and wisdom he has amassed over the years is second to none. A sharp observer, a visionary, humble & an always calm approachable personality with a mammoth skillset, Derek has all the ingredients of what we call an “Iconic Cricket Coach”
Coaching Certifications:
- ICC Level 1
- ICC Level 2
- NCCP Level 2
- CoachEd Elite Level 4
- CoachEd Level 3
- Canada Coaches Association/NCCP Certified Professional Coach
- NASM Speed and Explosion Level 1
- MSC in Sports Performance
- BA in Kineseology & Health Science
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Teams Coached so far:
- ICC America’s XI (Head Coach-List A-West Indies Super 50)
- Canada National Team (Video Analyst)
- Canada U19 (Head Coach)
- Canada U15 (Head Coach)
- USA Cricket Academy U13 (Head Coach)
- Ontario Men’s Senior Team (Head Coach – National T20)
- Ontario U17 (Head Coach)
- Ontario U19 (Head Coach)
