WHILE most of his team-mates are away playing cricket in sunnier climes, Essex wicket-keeper James Foster will spend the winter coaching children.

The 27-year-old, who has played seven Test matches and 11 One-Day Internationals for England, has decided to spurn the chance to spend the next few months in Australia to nurture the county's aspiring young cricketers.

To do so, the Whipps Cross-born player has launched James Foster Coaching, which will offer a variety of courses in batting, bowling, fielding and - of course - wicket-keeping for youngsters of all ages and abilities.

"Over the last few years I've done coaching at local schools," explained Foster, a regular in the Essex side since making his first-class debut in 2000.

"But I've only been able to do it every so often because over the last six or seven winters I've either been touring or playing in Australia.

"So, this winter I've decided to stay in England which I'm really looking forward to."

And Foster - widely considered to be the best gloveman in county cricket - revealed that he has a real passion for passing on his considerable skills.

"I've enjoyed coaching so much and got such a buzz from watching young players improving that I've decided to set up James Foster Coaching," he added.

"It is a great opportunity to coach as many people as possible rather than just the handful that I've coached in schools.

"I have had a lot of experience from learning from great coaches myself and I feel the knowledge of my own game has improved so I want to pass that on to up and coming cricketers."

Foster has worked with some of the game's most respected coaches, including Essex legends Graham Gooch and Keith Fletcher as well as England batting coach Andy Flower and former England wicket-keeper Jack Russell, and he is keen to share those experiences.

"I want to pass on all the things I have learned over the last eight or nine years to as many people as I can," added former Durham University student Foster, who revealed he would like to move into coaching full-time when he retires from playing.

"It's not going to be too technical because cricket is a simple sport. There will be lots of coaching drills and tips with the emphasis being on fun, because if children do not enjoy it then they will not become engaged in the sport."

"We'll start with cricket, but eventually I want to transfer into other sports with leading figures coaching youngsters in their particular field."

For more details about James Foster Coaching, including forthcoming Wicket-keeping Academy, Cricket Coaching Course and Batting Masterclass, log on to www.jamesfostercoaching.com