Alone they are not likely to directly bring about the realisation of cricket's 'American Dream', but the United States Cricket Association is to implement initiatives significant to the development of the game on and off the field.

An annual training camp for the national team and a stronger administrative structure are the two moves which USCA officials hope will draw the running of the game in the United States closer to that of the top Associates.

The first of those camps is expected to take place from January 26 to February 3 in idyllic Antigua, where the local living legend, Sir Vivian Richards, is expected to attend as a consultant.

USCA President, Dr Atul Rai, said the annual camp was essential to the development of the national team and part of a revamp in the long term of the way the national team is selected. "One of the greatest problems from the last ICC Trophy was the lack of a preparatory camp."

"We want to pick the team not with 60 players in one place but have a national inter-regional or inter-league championship and use that as a basis for a selection process and then pick the squad of 20 or whatever which would then go into the preparatory camp."

Initially, Dr Rai said, it was envisaged the bulk of the ICC Trophy squad from this year would attend the Antigua camp as part of preparations for the Americas Cup as the selection committee was yet to be finalised.

He added that while the USCA was flexible in all aspects of the appointment of the national coach, including whether he is presently based in the USA or elsewhere.

"We are open to pretty much anything at this point - we're not closed to having coaches from Americas either - we will look at all the talent available. We may not even hire a coach for the Antigua camp - maybe just have someone help in coordinating things and then take our time getting a permanent coach who can then work with the team."

Dr. Rai emphasised a 'big picture' approach was being adopted.

"This is for trying to build a team in the long term, not the short term like we have in the past."

There is similar change on the administrative front as starting on January 1, cricket in the United States, which boasts almost 30 leagues and around 10,000 players, will for the first time have a full time administrative assistant.

Dr. Rai, told 'Beyond The Test World' the administrative assistant's position, likely to be based near his home town of Santa Barbara would be pivotal.

"We can put this person in place so they can be in charge of communication - right now the greatest challenge is communication - people talking to people, getting the feedback, getting the issues resolved."

Mr. Rai said further additions to the USCA's staff were dependant on finance. "Obviously it will be done in stages."

Few outside the American cricket scene will appreciate how significant the appointment of a full-time administrative assistant is.

With a volume of cricketers outnumbering at least one Test country in what is geographically the world's fourth largest country, the right person will make a significant difference to the development of the game.

© ICC