Gloucestershire CCC to open new accredited academy

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has been accredited for a cricket academy which will be launched in the Autumn of 2002. The intention is to select about 12 young players aged between 14 and 19 and give them more intensive one-on-one coaching and training. The 12 selected will continue to play a prominent part in their county age group sides. The selection process will take place this summer.

It is intended to base much of the academy on Gloucester, using the University of Gloucestershire School of Sport and leisure as well as in the future the King's School site. Full use will also be made of the County Ground at Bristol.

The approach will be peripatetic. For a non-residential academy to work effectively, the academy director and coaches will need to be mobile and, where and whenever possible, need to be able to travel to the player rather than visa versa. This will ensure an individual programme can be met in the time the player has available, and will reduce travelling time. As well as one-to-one coaching, tuition will take place in sports science, sports medicine and lifestyle management.

Chief executive Tom Richardson said: "GCCC are extremely pleased to be the recipient of an ECB/Sport England grant and see this as an excellent opportunity to bring on our own cricketers as well as making a fuller contribution to raising standards in the recreational game.

"Ten of the current professional squad have come through county youth system. Our intention is to build on this and the academy will allow its players to develop at a rate which best suits the individual. It's a great fillip for GCCC and we intend to make the most of it."