TESTIMONIALS AND REVIEWS
"AMAZING COACH & MENTOR"
— ASTRID (ALEX) YARDLEY

Cricket Coaching Reviews & Testimonials

“When I contacted Dan, 3 years ago in regards to his holiday programme, my son and his friend were the only ones attending, but rather than cancelling the programme, Dan contacted us about running a special programme for the 2 boys. Since then, every year, my son has either gone to Dan's holiday programmes or had one on one sessions with Dan. Dan has done more than just coaching my son, he has take the time to get to know him, even coming down to watch some of his games on Saturday. Rather than creating clones or making the kids fit within a box, Dan helps the kids find that something special, that make each child unique and helps them evolve that skill. This especially true with my son, as he has a unique bowling style that Dan has encourage Dom to stick with and help him develop it. Dan has even organised a special training session with a Canterbury Cricket bowler (who has a very similar action) to talk to Dom about being leg spinner and the hurdles that he faced, to help Dom with his bowling. In the last couple of years, Dan has done more than just coaching Dom, he has gotten Dom to start thinking about his game and how to think strategically about what is happening and what he need doing. So if you are looking for someone to help your son/daughter with their cricket game then look no further than the Evolution sports team, there is no better team to help your son/daughter evolve their game. We look forward to future and ongoing support from Dan and the Evolution sport team with Dom.”
Stefan (Dom) Hasselberg
Holiday programme client, one to one client, Academy member
“We highly recommend Dan to anyone with a cricket obsessed child like ours. Alex absolutely loves Dans cricket camps, and having the opportunity to have one on ones with him is awesome. 

Dan has such a high level of expertise, and has giving Alex a lot of his time and energy, which is now coming through in Alex’s cricketing ability. 

Amazing coach and mentor.”
Astrid (Alex) Yardley
Academy member, one to one client, Holiday programmes
“Dan approached me many years ago at a Canterbury winter training camp and asked If I was keen to improve my game through the academy which ran on Monday nights over summer. This was a great opportunity for me who at this time was just a keen cricketer who loved hitting balls. It was at this academy where Dan transformed and re-defined my technical abilities as a batsman which meant amazing things for me as a cricketer. The next year was the year I decided I wanted to try become a first XI cricketer It was this year that Dan went about coaching the basics drop drives, underarm sweep feeds and most importantly making sure I was mentally strong by punishing me by playing a poor shot and making me swap with other academy members which dug into my batting time. Which naturally I wasn’t a big fan of. The biggest success that I had with Dan and his coaching ability was how he was able to articulate the complexities of cricket to someone with learning difficulties. As you all know cricket is a complex game and can be very frustrating at times. It was this year I made my schools first XI a goal of mine which Dan was aware of and prepared me for leading to two years in the Canterbury u19 system. As well as a gaining a Lincoln university cricket scholarship. This was an interesting time for me as I went from being coached to becoming the coach. I was able to work in Dans School holiday programmes specific to both rugby, cricket and a general sports holiday programme. Dan taught me great skills through this period and have continued to work alongside him and now coach the very clinic where It all began for me and my passion for cricket started only now there is a much larger attendance. I now look to put in the time and effort Dan put into me into my own coaching. It is a very rewarding process and without his influence I certainly wouldn’t be in the position I am today.”
Alister Collins
Foundation Evolution Academy player, one to one client and now part of the coaching team!
“For the last 5 years, my son has been coached, mentored and trained by Dan Vann. He has grown his cricket skills with Dan's support. 

Whether during one on one trainings to enhance his individual development, or in a team environment, Dan always puts in 100%. 

Dan's knowledge and experience in cricket is shown in the patience and guidance he gives and this makes him a fantastic personal trainer.

I would recommend Dan for anyone's child looking to develop their cricketing skills.”
Andrea Williamson - Kaine Hartley
Canterbury U13s Indoor team - one to one client

“My 11 year old son started attending coaching with Evolution Sports 3 years ago. He loved the sessions from the very first day, they were fun, helpful and he learnt so much from Dan and his team. He then used what he learnt in the clinics to help him throughout the cricket season. It was great for him to meet other children who were cricket mad like him and he has formed some great friendships as well. Since that first session we have continued to attend the clinics and we are always impressed and grateful for the quality of the programmes and they are still one of the highlights of the holidays for our son. Dan's ability to connect with each and every player is amazing, he is able to give great feedback and get the very best our of every player. He creates a fun, challenging and positive environment for every ability. As well as the clinics our son has also benefited from 1-1 sessions that proved extremely helpful for gaining confidence in his batting technique. This year we also joined the Evolution Academy and again the weekly sessions were very well run and the range of activities were fabulous and really helped each person evolve their game. I can not speak highly enough of Dan, it is obvious he wants the very best for all his client's and he very giving of his skills, time and knowledge. His positive approach and attitude is very motivating and inspiring, he always goes the extra mile and loves hearing about how each client is getting on. I know our son is looking forward to many more years being involved with Dan and the team at Evolution.”

Shelley (Marshall) Johnston
Academy member- one to one client - Holiday programmes
“Our son started attending coaching clinics with Evolution Sports about 3 years ago in the school holidays which he always really enjoyed.

Now he is slightly older he continues with Evolution Sports but benefits more from 1-1 sessions that have proved extremely helpful for tweaking his batting and bowling technique when required.

We highly recommend Dan from Evolution Sports he has a great way of coaching and being a really good mentor for any keen cricketer.”
Krish (Taine) McGregor
Holiday programme - One to one client and School coach
“As parents to 3 sporting cricket mad boys, we have been very lucky to have had Dan Vann to call upon as a mentor in helping support our boys especially our eldest two over the last seven or so years, Dan is a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and has been instrumental in helping both Jackson and Brodie with their successful indoor cricket careers to date. Dan coached Brodie and the Canterbury Under 13s to a NZ title last year, and his training of the team and the way he handled the team in such a competitive environment lifted Brodies game to a New Zealand selection the same year. From school coaching outdoor cricket team at Chisnallwood to playing along side Dann at the recent Indoor Cricket Nationals for the Canterbury Prems mens team, Jackson has been lucky to have had Dan as a mentor and player/coach and as a family we are very appreciative of the support that Dan give us.”
The Hemingways- Jackson and Brodie
“I had the pleasure of working with Dan during the Junior Indoor World Series - September 2018 held in Christchurch, New Zealand. He was the head coach for the 17 & U Singapore boys national team for the tournament and as manager for the side I worked closely with him. What I found really amazing was his ability to connect with the boys with whom he was working for the first time and made them comfortable in the very first interaction. His knowledge, understanding and passion for the game is amazing and he was able to pass it on to the boys in a simple yet effective manner. I was also fascinated by his ability to relay points that he observed during each game and communicated it in an effective manner which motivated the boys to do better as the tournament progressed. I look forward to an opportunity to work with Dan in the future and wish him all the best.”
Vijay Bharadwaj
Singapore U17 Indoor Cricket team Manager - 2018 World Cup
“Our 8 year old son has attended the Evolution Academy, along with a school holiday session. He has always been mad keen on cricket, but Dan and Alistair at Evolution have really helped him develop some technical skills that have advanced his game. I enjoy coaching, but like many parents, I find my own kids the hardest to teach. Dan and his team not only help solve that problem, but also have an incredible way of communicating with the players and have excellent technical knowledge. My highlight has been seeing our son recently pull out a back-foot punch, Kane Williamson-esque. Thanks Dan and Alistair.”
Paul (Isaac) Russell
Holiday Programme and Academy Player
“Our 11 year old son has regularly attended Evolution Sports coaching programmes. He always enjoys sessions and has benefited a great deal. A one on one session is a fantastic way to prepare for the upcoming cricket season and great value. 

Dan shows a genuine interest and it is evident that he wants the very best for his clients. His positive attitude grows confidence in players and the high quality of coaching will certainly help to evolve your game. 

We highly recommend Dan and Evolution Sports Coaching.”
Cecileah (Maika) Inns
Holiday programme - One to one client
“In my role as Junior Convenor at the Sumner Cricket Club I have been working with Dan over the last five years. As Club Coaching Coordinator he has worked with our junior teams over that period of time attending trainings and imparting his wisdom to players and coaches alike. In the 2018/19 season we as a club were required to ensure all our junior coaches attained minimum coaching qualifications and accreditation with New Zealand Cricket. Dan ran the practical sessions required and ensured our coaches completed their online coaching modules to reach their qualification goals. We are extremely lucky as a club to have had a strong association with Dan over the years, his knowledge, skills and importantly the way he gets his message across to the players is fantastic. He's an invaluable part of our club.

On a personal note Dan and Evolution Sports have been coaching my two boys for the last five years. Firstly through the popular school holiday cricket programs, then some one on one sessions and more recently with the Evolution Sports Cricket Academy. His sessions are well structured to improve their skills with drills, teaching aids and game based learning. His easy relaxed manor and ability to connect with the boys is evident. Really importantly these sessions are FUN! It has been great to watch my boys improve over the years and and their successes owe a lot to the coaching Dan has provided.”
Tim (Charlie and Oscar) Hoban
Sumner Cricket Club Junior Convenor
“Our son has been receiving coaching from Evolution Sports Coaching regularly over the last year or so. We've found the coaching excellent. Our son's game has improved greatly. Dan has an amazing way of explaining things and the ability to tweak a players stance, run up, action etc to produce real results. We would have no hesitation in recommending Evolution Sports Coaching.”
Josh Wedlake
School coach - One to one client 
“Dan is an inspiring, highly motivated coach who teaches the technical and tactical side, while keeping the sessions fun. Our son Henry initially attended the holiday cricket coaching through Evolution Sports six years ago and loved it. The Sumner Evolution Sports Cricket Academy programme developed Henry’s skills leading to him being selected in the Canterbury U/13 Indoor Cricket team and Canterbury Cricket age group Development teams. Our daughter has also benefited from Dan’s coaching through Sumner Cricket Club. Dan has provided our kids great gear at excellent prices through Freedom To Play.”
Lesley Nicol (Henry Rumble)
One to one client, Evolution academy member
“What do you do when you have a child who loves cricket with a passion and wants to be the best he can be at it? Call Dan Vann! Dan is a fantastic coach. He is an excellent communicator and has a great coaching style. He uses really good progressions based on where the player is at with the particular skill being worked on. Dan obviously possesses really good cricket skills himself and has the ability to pass this knowledge on. He is a dedicated coach who shows a genuine interest in each of his clients. Going to a Dan Vann session - whether it’s an individual or an academy session- is one of the favorite activities my boy does! If you are looking for some quality coaching I highly recommend Dan. ”
Brenan JO Malta
One on one client - Academy player
“Dan has helped me a lot in finding a club overseas to play cricket for the NZ winter. He is thorough with his approach and certainly goes the extra mile to make sure you are properly looked after. A pleasure to deal with and a completely personal experience.”
Matt Hay
Overseas player
“Dan has done some amazing stuff for our Indoor Cricket club over the years, from 1 on 1 training, to group trainings to mental skills and goal setting workshops. Always happy to help, explain and push us to improve in all aspects of our game!”
Tom Cliff
Action Central Sharks Club Captain
“Just a short note to thank you for another brilliant cricket training session in the indoor stadium last Thursday. Your coaching technics are just so so fabulous. I think every kid love your training session, I feel very fortunate to have had a person like you coach the boys, Bosi & Ransi thoroughly enjoyed your one to one training sessions. I was truly astonished at how much their batting Skill improved since last year, and how interested they had become in cricket. I will recommend your Evolution sports to all my cricket-loving friends and colleagues.thank you for your vision, commitments, and sportsmanship.we are proud to call you our coach!”
Lalith (Ransi and Bosi)
Holiday programme - one to one client - Academy members
“What a great 2 days of cricket coaching Daniel W had at Lincoln on M & T.Dan and his team where just great.They went through all the aspects of cricket for kids at their own level.

Helped, encouraged and pushed them in fielding, bowling, catching, batting, running between wickets and most of all having fun at the same time..!!

Jeez if you want you kids to improve or just learn more about the game of cricket sign them up for a session and you wee little one will just love it....!!

Well done Team.”
Dave (Daniel) Warner
Holiday programme client
“A few pre-season sessions with Dan for two year 8 boys have been hugely worthwhile. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt a great deal about improving their technique. I'm sure yesterday's session won't be the last!”
Nina (Cam) Bailey
One to one client
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