MCC show support for Girls’ Academy

MIDDLESEX and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have joined forces to launch a new performance academy for women and girls.

The academy, which will support players aged between 16 to 24 years from Middlesex and the surrounding areas, will enable participants to spend weekly contact time with coaches in order to develop their technical, tactical and physical skills.

The aim of the academy is to provide a link between county age group cricket and the higher end of the pathway by preparing players to not only represent Middlesex (or another home county), but to perform at the required level to make regional and national squads, too.

Members of the academy will be selected from the current Middlesex county age-group and senior squads, as well as neighbouring counties and other partners. MCC and Middlesex Cricket will also work with local universities to identify students who would benefit from being part of the initiative.

Claire Taylor, chair of MCC women’s subcommittee, said: “I’m excited about the new MCC and Middlesex cricket academy, which will give a pathway for talented female cricketers to achieve their potential. Together, MCC and Middlesex can provide access to a range of activities which will help players make the jump to the next level.”

Rory Coutts, Middlesex Cricket’s assistant head of youth cricket, added: “The game is developing and in order to keep players moving forward the extra support players will get through the academy will help to accelerate their development.”