Developing future stars at Littleborough

Littleborough Cricket Club Academy

Littleborough Cricket Club has established an academy to identify and develop the area’s most promising junior cricketers.

The brainchild of former player and current coach Scott Kershaw, 12 of the club’s most promising junior cricketers aged between 11 and 17 were hand-picked to receive expert training and coaching over a 20 week programme during the winter.

Four of the club’s coaches oversaw the sessions at Wardle Academy’s brand new indoor facilities and guest coaches such as Ben Johnson, John Brierley and Dexter Fitton provided specialist training sessions. Video analysis and regular feedback techniques aided the progression of the players during the programme and outdoor Sunday afternoon fitness sessions led by Lee Kelly in the depth of winter also tested their physical and mental toughness.

The support of DSales (UK) Ltd, who distribute the Develop brand of photocopiers in the UK, enabled indoor facilities to be hired and coaching aids to be provided. The academy’s training kit was provided by Zoo Sports, a fast-growing new brand of high quality match and technical clothing.

Develop’s MD Jonathan Whitworth said: “We like to support local sport and it’s great to see such talented juniors getting a chance to improve their skills. Littleborough is a great club with a fantastic history and I am looking forward to assisting their tradition of bringing through quality cricketers.”

Scott Kershaw commented: “I have been extremely impressed by the dedication of our academy players and their application over the winter. I hope to see these lads all pushing for senior team places and continuing their development this season. I must also say sincere thanks to Develop and Zoo Sports for their financial help without which none of this would have been possible.”

Clubs and Leagues Manager Paul Bryson commented: "It is great to see this investment in the future at Littleborough Cricket Club enabling these youngsters to receive quality coaching in varying aspects of the game, which makes their experience all the more enjoyable. The club will reap the reward of this investment in the coming years."