South East Stars, the regional women’s side covering Kent & Surrey, have appointed Saajan Shah as their first ever full-time physiotherapist.
Shah joins the Stars, who will split training between the regional performance centre in Beckenham and The Kia Oval, from Kent County Cricket Club.
At Kent since 2018, Shah has worked as the club’s 2nd XI physio while also assisting with the first team squad and academy programmes throughout his time with the club.
Alongside this, Shah has experience within the private sector at St Lawrence Sports and Physiotherapy Clinic and with development athletes at Kings School in Canterbury.
He will now join the Stars on a full-time basis where Regional Director of Women’s Cricket Richard Bedbrook has already put together a strong cohort of support staff.
Tom Lister & Lettie Hadley joined as Senior Regional Talent Manager & Team Operations Manager last month before the recently retired experienced county professional Johann Myburgh was named as Head Coach last week.
The Strength & Conditioning Coach and the fifth and final professional in the South East Stars squad will both be announced in due course.
Shah will begin work with the Stars immediately, helping to implement a winter training plan for the team’s professionals as well as the academy and age group structure in the region.
Speaking after joining the Stars, Shah said: “I’m really excited to be joining the South East Stars. This is an excellent opportunity for myself and a great time to be a part of women’s cricket in this country.
“Having spoken with Richard, Johann and the rest of the group, I know just how ambitious and important the plans are for the first team and the academy to grow the game in the South East.
I’m looking forward to playing my part in that, ensuring the players are as fit as they can be to help them fulfil their cricketing potential.
Bedbrook said: “Saajan will play an integral part in the South East Stars programme and for the players to now have a full-time physio will give them such a boost in how they continue to develop their physical competencies as well as the knowledge of the support they can count on.
“I thank Kent CCC for their assistance in being able to help Saajan move roles so promptly in order to be in position to help us get the winter programmes off the ground.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Saajan combine with the other staff in place to help ensure all of our programmes integrate the proactive support that his role will bring.”
