Warwickshire is promising to leave “no stone unturned” in its search for Bears stars of the future and to offer youngsters a chance to pursue their cricketing dreams.
The Club has opened applications for boys to join its Under-10 to Under-12 Youth Pathway and, or the first time, parents or guardians can nominate children directly to try out for the programme.
Previously young talent was put forward by schools or cricket clubs for consideration but the new process opens up the scheme to any child across Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire.
Warwickshire already has a video application process in place for girls aged U11-U18 and boys aged U13-U18.
Warwickshire Youth Coach Alex Laud, said: “This is an important move because we know there will be children out there with no formal cricket experience, perhaps their school doesn’t play cricket, but have a raw talent for the game and real potential.
“It’s an opportunity for anyone and everyone to become a Bear…we don’t want to leave any stone unturned and to give all children equal opportunity to showcase their skills and athletic ability.
“That’s why we’re also offering one-day soft ball coaching and observation sessions, in addition to the hard ball net observations, for those children who’ve perhaps not experienced hard ball cricket before.”
Many Warwickshire players have progressed the Youth Pathway and into the senior side, including current England Under-19s Captain Hamza Shaikh who hit a century for his country in the latest Youth Test against Sri Lanka.
“Hamza started in our Under-10s,” added Laud, “and shows what children can achieve as they develop through our youth system.
“At Under-10s level we’re not necessarily solely looking for cricketing skills. Athletic ability is just as important and it’s well established that children can transition from one sport into cricket with the right coaching and ambition.
“Successful applicants will be invited back for more coaching sessions before we make a decision on the boys who will join the Pathway.
“It’s an exciting opportunity so I would encourage people to apply. It could be the first step on an amazing journey in cricket with Warwickshire.”
Children must have been born in, reside in, or attend a Birmingham, Coventry or Warwickshire school or belong to a Warwickshire affiliated club. Parents are able to select a softball or hardball observation session for their son. Applications will close on 14 August.
To apply for Warwickshire’s Boys U10-U12 Youth Pathway, click this link.
For more information email alexlaud@edgbaston.com.
Over 13,500 tickets sold for T20 quarter-final
For a third year in a row, Bears have secured a home Vitality Blast quarter-final against Gloucestershire on Friday 6 September. And tickets are going fast!
Over 13,500 tickets have already been sold. Adults tickets are available for only £20, if purchased in advance, while U16s are £5.
