Sussex Academy to play in Premier League

In a major development for the 2003 season the Premier League teams will each play one Sunday match against the Sussex County CC `Academy/ Development XI'. The team will be an Under 23 side and the County Club will select from its registered Academy players as well as others with `development' potential. League points will be awarded for these matches.

Keith Greenfield, the Academy Director, said: "This is a major step forward for the development of our most young talented players. The Academy has been a very individually based programme and this now introduces the vital team element.

"Sussex CCC and the League executive have been in discussions on this subject for the last six months and we thank the League for their continued support in trying to help develop its young players. It also gives us an opportunity to forge excellent links with the league and its clubs."

Sunday May 11th       Chichester v Development XI
Sunday May 25th       Brighton and Hove v Development XI
Sunday June 1st       East Grinstead v Development XI
Sunday June 15th      Horsham v Development XI
Sunday June 29th      Three Bridges v Development XI
Sunday July 6th       Hastings v Development XI
Sunday July 20th      Stirlands v Development XI
Sunday Aug 3rd        Steyning v Development XI
Sunday Aug 10th       Worthing v Development XI
Sunday Aug 17th       Eastbourne v Development XI  (12.00 start)