James Andrew Clifford, born in Chelmsford, is Essex Cricket's County Age Group (CAG) Pathway Manager. Working closely with Academy Director and Second XI Head Coach Barry Hyam, as well as Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood, Clifford’s role focuses on developing and nurturing talent from the CAG, Emerging Players Programme (EPP) and Academy as they progress towards the first team.
A passionate cricketer himself, Clifford represented Essex at Under-14, Under-15, and Under-17 levels, as well as the Essex Second XI. While studying at Loughborough University, he played for the MCCU - now the Loughborough University Centre of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE), a programme renowned for producing numerous professional players and coaches.
As Pathway Manager, Clifford oversees the development of young players in the county age groups, helping them grow through the early stages before advancing to the Academy, Second XI, and ultimately the first team. Although his primary focus is the CAG, EPP and Academy, Clifford also supports Chris Silverwood and the Men’s first team with batting, fielding, and bowling drills during training sessions and matchdays.
Outside of Essex Cricket, James plays for Chelmsford Cricket Club in the Essex Premier League, where he serves as Head Coach and Vice-Captain for one of the county’s most successful club sides.
