Class of 2024: Bright future for Academy prospects

Some of the country’s most exciting cricket talent has been inducted into Warwickshire’s Academy for 2024. 

A total of eight players have been retained or recruited into the Academy – including three new faces – with another 13 on the Emerging Player Programme (EPP) for players who’ve caught the eye across the youth pathway.

It’s been a successful year for the Academy with several teenagers progressing into the senior ranks and others being chosen to represent England Under-19s.

Wicket keeper-batter Kai Smith recently signed a two-year rookie contract with the Club, while Academy players Tazeem Ali and Theo Wylie – plus Academy graduate Hamza Shaikh – are currently touring India with England U19s.

Several of Warwickshire’s professional squad, including Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Rob Yates, Dan Mousley, Jacob Bethell and Sam Hain, progressed through the Academy.

And High Performance Manager Paul Greetham believes the current crop of rookies have the potential to follow in their footsteps.  

“It’s been an amazing year for our Academy and I’ve every confidence that success will continue into 2024 and beyond,” added Greetham.

“Seven of the eight Academy players have played Second XI cricket for Warwickshire and three have been involved in First XI List A cricket which is testament to the ability in the group.

“We’re continually trying to raise the bar with our Academy. These are teenagers with genuine aspirations to become professional first class players. We want to help them realise their cricketing dreams at the Club.”

Warwickshire’s Academy, plus a selection of older EPP players, will tour Sri Lanka in February to further their development and expose them to different wickets, climates and opponents including some strong provincial sides.

All of the EPP players – who range in age from 14 to 18 – progressed through the Youth Pathway and one was identified through Warwickshire’s innovative video trials process which allows any child in the area apply to join the Club’s junior ranks.

Greetham added: “We’re seeing some sustained success now with children moving from our Pathway into the EPP, then the Academy and into the professional staff. That’s really encouraging.

“And it’s not just about their cricket development. We also work with them on all aspects of the game, from the technical, tactical, physical and mental side to the lifestyle awareness that comes with being a professional sportsperson.

“It’s all about giving them the best possible chance of making it as professional cricketers, to expose them to the highest possible standards, whilst ensuring they stay grounded and focused on their education or other career choices & opportunities.”