MRF PACE FOUNDATION

Established in August 1987, with the legendary Dennis Lillee as Director and T A Sekar as the Chief Coach, the MRF Pace Foundation is dedicated to bringing forth the fast bowlers of tomorrow.

The Foundation identifies talent in youngsters and scientifically nurtures their latent skills. The training period spans a few years, in which the boys are given vital inputs on the correct diet, exercise routines and net practices.

The training facilities at the Foundation include an Olympic sized swimming pool, and a Gymnasium with workouts, tailor-made for pace bowlers. The grounds at the Madras Christian College Campus offer four different wickets to simulate actual match situations - slow, moderate, quick and artificial. The highly qualified personnel at the Pace Foundation include a sprint coach, sports medicine specialist and an expert dietician.

The Foundation offers the best, even off the field. Accommodation in a fully furnished bungalow, an expert dietician and induction into the best schools and colleges.

Some of the Foundation's successful students include Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Chaminda Vaas. The Indian and visiting teams use the Foundation's grounds and nets for practice during visits to Chennai.

MAC SPIN FOUNDATION

If there is one place from where India's next spin quartet can emerge, it's from the MAC Spin Foundation.

Founded by Dr M A Chidambaram, Dr A C Muthiah and Ashwin C Muthiah, the MAC Spin Foundation aims at recognising and nurturing quality spin bowlers in the country. The Foundation is based in Chennai to cater to the abundant talent in spin bowling that is traditionally found here.

In cooperation with the Anna University, Guindy, the Foundation has acquired the necessary space for the nets, ground and other facilities. The trainees have access to a gymnasium and a swimming pool near by. A Physiotherapist visits the nets everyday to conduct physical training exercises. A Physiotherapy unit is also attached to the Foundation, which attends to injuries. They also have a hostel, located in the heart of the city for trainees from other states.

Regular camps are held from 3 pm to 6:30 pm, Monday - Friday. The trainees are in the age group of 13 - 19. Summer camps are held from April - May.

Prominent visitors include Anil Kumble, who spent a week with the Foundation in 1997 to share his expertise, and Sir Garfield Sobers, (for four weeks in 1998).

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