Passion to purpose: Asher Roberts' cricketing journey
UEL Alumni Asher Roberts inspiring the next generation of cricket players and coaches
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UEL Alumni Asher Roberts inspiring the next generation of cricket players and coaches
Published
11 November 2024
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University of East London alumni Asher Roberts turned his passion for cricket into a full-time career. Asher has built a wealth of coaching and playing cricket experience over the years, enabling him to secure his current role of ACE Development Officer at Kent Cricket.
His job has enabled him to coach all ability levels, from individuals picking up a bat for the first time, all the way through to aspiring county and professional cricketers.
Asher studied BSc Sport, Physical Education and Development at UEL, graduating in 2020. He feels that his time at the university, which included scholar status for his impressive cricket skills, enabled him to pursue opportunities that played a fundamental role in both his personal and professional development.
I had an amazing time at UEL where I was given the opportunities to grow and develop my personal and professional skills for sports, especially cricket. Opportunities such as coaching qualifications, work experience, cricket scholarship and overseas travel to Austria."
Asher’s journey with UEL did not stop upon graduation. He has visited several times since to inspire the next cohort of sports students. One of these visits led to conversations with a UEL student at the time, Juan Jimenez.
Juan, who is now also a UEL graduate from our BSc Sport, Physical Education and Development degree, took opportunities to gain real-world experience through the connection built with Asher. He appreciates the time and support that Asher provided. He said, "Asher was more than a cricket coach to me; he was a mentor and very supportive of my development in the sporting environment."
These experiences led to Juan securing a full-time job with Kent Cricket as their South East London Development Officer. He is now expanding his sports development further, studying MSc Sport Psychology at UEL on a part-time basis.
Asher believes students should take inspiration from Juan’s story. These opportunities can significantly boost employability potential. He said "I believe students should be exploring any opportunities to build connections while at university. Whether they are paid or voluntary, employers value experience alongside your degree."
Juan is a great example of this, as he had virtually no knowledge of cricket prior to working with us. Now having put the work in, Juan is a valued member of the team, delivering vital community initiatives that will inspire the next generation of cricketers."
Are you looking to take up cricket yourself?
If you are part of the university, you can explore opportunities with our UEL cricket club. The club runs activities for all ability levels, from 'Cricket Move East London' sessions every Tuesday, to our East London Sport teams who compete in BUCS competitions.
This is a great chance for you to make friends from all over the world, with playing members from Australia, India and Pakistan.
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