Head Coach of The Cricket Asylum, Matt Dawson, has been selected by the Coach of the Year Panel for Coach of the Month.

As usual, the panel were inundated with nominations from around the world. Matt was selected for his amazing work setting up and running Cricket Asylum in Yorkshire, UK and for the CA Foundation, which brings cricket to underprivileged children in the area.

Matt - a former Yorkshire 2nd XI and Cheshire player - is a unique coach, and worthy winner, because he coaches the way he wants to coach rather than fitting into a pre-set mould.

When PitchVision interviewed Matt, he talked about his early coaching days where he quickly learned that his people-focused, inspirational style of coaching did not work well with the old-school ideas of moulding players into technical perfection.

As a result he founded The Cricket Asylum where the latest technology met with a philosophy of putting players at the centre. This allows players to express themselves and learn the best ways to play as individuals, not cut outs.

The pride in Matt's voice was apparent when he spoke about The Cricket Asylum. Yet, it wasn't personal achievement for him. He spoke at length about the team that make the venue what it is. The five coaches at CA all share the same passion for cricket and have created a relaxed atmosphere that encourages the highest standards of player development at every stage.

Matt has also established the CA Foundation. This not-for-profit organisation gives back to the game, and the local area. The scheme takes cricket to children who may not get the chance to try the game. Schools, youth clubs and other groups in areas of social deprivation get access to cricket. The idea is that youngsters get something out of it that is not always about the game.

There is no doubt that Matt Dawson is a creative and successful coach. His work makes it clear to the Coach of the Year panel that he is the best choice for Coach of the Month.