About Us

Darren Talbot Cricket Coaching was founded by Darren Talbot in April 2007.

Having coached regularly since 2004, Darren decided to give up the City life in January 2007 in favour of teaching cricket to young people full time. For many years he felt disappointed how few children played cricket regularly in schools, particularly state schools, and decided to do something about it himself.

By the spring of 2010, Darren Talbot Cricket Coaching had worked in over 150 schools throughout the United Kingdom and had over 60 freelance cricket coaches working across the country.

Darren worked in the Mutual Fund industry for 13 years until 2007, in Marketing and latterly as an Investment Analyst for New Star Asset Management.

In 2004, he set up the Youth Academy for Cobham Avorians Cricket Club in Surrey where he is Director of Youth Coaching. This was the turning point in Darren's career.

Darren is a founder committee member of the Surrey ECB Coaches Association and a member of the West Surrey Youth Cricket League committee.

In his "spare" time, Darren is also Press Officer, Programme Editor and committee member of Worcester Park FC of the Combined Counties Football League.

Neil Bunting - Director

Neil's worked largely in the insurance industry where he spent 15 years as a Business Analyst and Project Manager before becoming a professional cricket coach is 2006.
 
Since 2008, Neil has been junior co-ordinator at Epsom Cricket Club and is currently 2nd Team Captain at NPL Teddington Cricket Club. Additionally, Neil is on the committee of the West Surrey Youth Cricket League.
 
Neil enjoys most sports and is qualified as a Football and Rugby Union Coach and is also a season ticket holder at Harlequins RFC.

Darren Johns - Chairman

Darren Johns has been Chairman of DT Sports Coaching since February 2011.

He spent 15 years in the City, latterly as Chief Operating Officer within UBS, before retiring in 2009.

He now spends his time investing across a variety of sectors including property, retail, high tech, and automotive.

A sports fanatic, he brings a wealth of diverse experience to DT Sports as the business looks to further expand.

Kelly Birtwell-Jones - Operations Manager

Kelly has worked as Operations Manager for Darren Talbot Cricket Coaching since 2010.

Having worked as an Estate Agent and then as a secretary in a primary school, Kelly’s interest in cricket grew when her sons became heavily involved in the sport.

Kelly has been involved with Epsom Cricket Club and is now the clubs Communications Secretary for the Colts.

Nick Smith - Recruitment Manager

UK All Sports are responsible for the recruitment of all coaches to DT Sports Coaching.

Nick Smith, Managing Director of UK All Sports assists prospective coaches through the application process and ensure all coaches meet the requirements set by ourselves.

We have worked closely with UK All Sports since 2010 and look forward to building on our strong working relationship in the future.

For UK All Sports website please visit www.ukallsports.com 

Sam Stevenson - Marketing Manager

Sam Stevenson joined the team in 2011 to look after an expanding list of marketing activities.

With twenty years experience in the marketing industry, she also runs a consultancy service for small businesses.

A qualified fencing coach, Sam is looking forward to qualifying as a cricket coach later this year.