Academy launched to unearth young cricketers

An academy, specifically established to discover and develop future generations of home-grown Nottinghamshire cricketers, is to be launched at Trent Bridge today.

The project aims to group together the most promising youngsters in the county and ensure they realise their maximum potential through the aid of intensive coaching and specialist education.

It will be headed by Notts all-rounder Chris Tolley, who has already selected 14 of the best youngsters from the various age group squads as founder members.

Three of this group have also been offered academy contracts for the forthcoming summer to provide funding that will allow them to concentrate more fully on developing their game.

"We have always had a fine youth system at Notts which in recent years has created players like England A tourists Paul Franks and Usman Afzaal," said Tolley.

"But by establishing our academy we give those lucky enough to be members a stronger allegiance to the club and those currently not selected a goal to strive for. Our aim is to treat the youngsters at the club more like professional players and indeed involve them much more with the first team squad."

All Academy members will receive guidance on five different aspects of cricket: mental, physical, technical, tactical and lifestyle.

They will also receive extra one-to-one sessions with specialist coaches, expert advice from a nutritionist, eye tests and will be screened for injuries by club physio Tim Leary.

Nottingham-based cricket equipment manufacturers Gunn and Moore have kindly agreed to provide sponsorship for the 14 Academy players.

Said Managing Director Peter Wright: "As a local business which has historically enjoyed very strong links with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, we are absolutely delighted to be involved with this initiative.

"The investment in young, local talent can only help to improve the quality of both professional and recreational cricket in the county."