Board hopes to be bowled over by young talent
THE Northumberland Cricket Board is stepping up its search for the cricketing stars of the future, writes TONY HODGSON.
Its newly-formed Emerging Players Programme aims to identify and work closely with the region’s best age group cricketers.
The initiative received cash backing in February last year and last summer was supposed to be one of planning and identifying players to begin working with them in November.
However, the pandemic put those plans on hold and it is only now, after the easing of lockdown, that work with the talented 14-to18-year-olds can begin in earnest.
NCB Leader of Player Pathway Dan Shurben said: “Our group was finalised in August after the first lockdown and player introductions were held in September, with delivery beginning during the October half-term.
“The second lockdown threw a spanner in the works before we could deliver four weeks of our intended seven-week programme pre-Christmas.
“Since the new year we were restricted to online Zoom strength and conditioning sessions as well as psychological support sessions.
“We will work closely with Durham Cricket to provide a pathway for our EPP players to potentially join Durham’s Academy.
“We will also work closely with Cumbria Cricket to ensure best versus best opportunities are a regluar occurance.
“The aim of the programme is to produce first-class players for Durham and potentially other counties.”
The annual programme comprises technical and tactical cricketbased sessions, with strength and conditioning support from Northumbria
University’s Joel Brannigan. There are also experts on hand in psychology and physiotherapy and the progrmame is individualised to meet the needs of each player.
Shurben added: “We will hopefully have access to a full summer of cricket in 2021 and hopefully these lads are able to reach their potential and move up the ladder into the professional game.”