Julian Moore is easily among the best youth cricket coaches in Guyana. He has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, administrators and players alike for his ability to consistently churn out championship-winning teams.
Moore, from Tucber Park in Berbice, has led Guyana to title honours in the Regional Under-15 tournament in 2014 and 2015, the Regional Under-19 Three-day and 50-over in 2017 and the 50-over in 2018.
He is a Level Three coach and Cricket West Indies Tutor. Avenash Ramzan spoke to Moore about coaching, his brief cricket career, his role models, pet peeve, favourite food and a whole lot more.
Avenash Ramzan (AR): What’s your early memory of cricket and who introduced you to the game?
Julian Moore (JM): I can recall as a youngster probably around the age of 7/8 going to a lot of matches with my father. At that time, he was very much involved with the Berbice Cricket Board so my summer holidays were basically spent with him watching a lot of cricket. I guess it was around that time and pretty much because of him I was introduced to the game. I’ve had the opportunity to witness a good era of Berbice cricket with players such as Sudesh Dhaniram, Deonarine Persaud, Andre Percival, David Fingal, Ashley Jones, Andrew Gonsalves, Clayton Lambert, Vijay Seonarine, Anil Beharry etc. One of my earliest and fondest memories was going through a cricket magazine and seeing a picture of Sudesh Dhaniram. A week later, I was introduced to him by my dad at the Number 65 Ground. That was pretty cool.
AR: Talk to us about your playing days; what was your dream at that point?
JM: My dream while playing was like any other person- to play for Guyana and the West Indies. I started at age 11 with the Police CC; played a few seasons there then I moved on to my current club Tucber Park CC. I’ve played a lot of first division cricket and had the privilege of representing Berbice at all junior levels and Guyana at Under-15. Unfortunately, I didn’t carry on to fulfill my ultimate dream, but I’ve had a lot of fun playing the game regardless.
AR: Who or what motivated you to get involved in coaching?
JM: My dad was really the one who pushed me to get involved in coaching. At the time, the club hadn’t a coach so I would help the youngsters with some basic technique from time to time. Just passing on the little knowledge I had up to that point. In 2004, the WICB held a Level One coaching course in Berbice and dad was adamant that I attend. To be honest, I put up quite a resistance because while still being actively involved as a player I didn’t see the need to become a qualified coach. Little did I know it would bring me this far. Over my playing career, I was blessed to have some outstanding coaches. I learnt a lot from those men and in a way they have helped to shape my career as a coach. I must mention Mr. Sean Ward, who was my first coach as a kid. He is one who I owe a lot to.
AR: Your father (Carl Moore) has given yeoman service to cricket in Guyana. How does it feel to be in a position where you can not only emulate him, but go further?
JM: It feels great. My father has been my rock, my mentor and my biggest source of inspiration. I’m very proud of his achievements and the contributions he has made to Guyana cricket, both as a Manager and an Administrator. I would have surely learnt a lot from him. His boots are some big ones to fill, but it’s actually a bit surreal to be in a position where I can follow in his footsteps and even one day go a bit further. I’m sure he would love that as well.
AR: As a coach, how do you keep your players motivated, especially when the chips are down?
JM: You’ve just got to keep a positive atmosphere within the team. You know that not every day is going to be a good day in the middle, so it’s all about helping them to understand that while keeping a certain level of focus. For me, I always point out the positive things that we can build on. Confidence is everything so as a coach it’s about getting your players to a place where they can remain confident no matter what the position of the team is. Practice sessions are good opportunities to do just that as well. As coach I can create scenarios to work on that.
AR: What you think is key to developing a winning attitude?
JM: I think the key is discipline. That’s the umbrella under which everything else follows. Hard work, commitment and sacrifice are also very important aspects of winning and being successful as well. I think if you can really zone in on those areas then you’re well on your way.
AR: What is the most challenging aspect of coaching that you’ve experienced?
JM: For me it has been the lack of proper/appropriate facilities locally. In Berbice there is no indoor facility or outdoor concrete strips so during the rainy season it’s hard to keep your players in tuned and ready. There is so much work you would want to do as a coach, but at the end of the day without proper/appropriate facilities it’s pretty much improbable on most occasions. I think being a country that experiences a lot of rainfall more emphasis should be placed on getting these facilities in place. After all cricket is the national sport.
AR: What has been your greatest achievement as a coach thus far?
JM: Just having the opportunity do what I love and being able to instill that love and passion for game to youngsters is an achievement by itself for me. However, my greatest would be winning regional championships at two different levels (U-15 and U-19). I’m very much proud of that.
AR: You’re widely regarded as the best youth coach in Guyana, and possibly the Caribbean. Where do you see yourself 15-20 years from now?
JM: I’ve always had a dream of representing the West Indies. Unfortunately, I wasn’t gifted and fortunate enough to make it to that level as a player, but I’m determined to reach there as a coach someday. Obviously, coaching the Jaguars (Guyana’s senior team) is something that’s in my thoughts as well, but to have an opportunity to coach the West Indies at some level would surely be an achievement for me. In 15-20 years God willing, I’m looking to be established in my career. Of course, having a family and being a dad is first and foremost.
AR: On a much lighter note now; describe Julian Moore away from the cricket setting.
JM: Julian Moore is really quite a funny guy; very easy going. Those who know me knows that well. I’m a Christian, Anglican to be exact. I have been an Acolyte (alter server) in the Church for quite some time. I’m one who believes in strong family values.
AR: How do you spend your spare time?
JM: My spare time is mostly spent home relaxing. I’m not that much of an outgoing person so I prefer to be at home, either watching a movie or catching up on some sports shows.
AR: What’s your favourite food?
JM: My favourite food has got to be cook up rice. I love me some of that.
AR: What’s your pet peeve?
JM: I’ve got to say waiting in long lines.
AR: Who is/are your role model(s)?
JM: My role models have been my parents and brother. They have really set the example for me as to what it means to work hard, to be disciplined, to be respectful and to make sacrifices. They are my inspiration to become all that I can and more.
AR: Outside cricket and coaching, what fascinates you the most?
JM: You may not know, but I’m a big fan of basketball. I watch a lot of games and follow the NBA closely. It’s a sport I’ve grown a facilitation for. I’m a big fan of LeBron James and the athlete he is. So come NBA season you’ll find me glued to the TV rooting for the Lakers.
