Aspirational Cricket Pathway to success launches at Ellesmere College

A Shropshire school is stepping up its cricket development programme this summer after its success in trialling a profiling and awards scheme last year.

Ellesmere College embraced the Cricket Development Programme with Academy Pathway in 2021 - a programme which focuses on individual player development by delivering enjoyment, opportunities and challenge.

The College trialled the scheme for all ages from Year 3 up and will be focusing on the programme again when the season gets underway this month - whilst at the same time launching their new kit.

Gareth Owen, Director of Cricket at Ellesmere College, said: “The pathway trial was a great success. A large number of boys and girls received their certificates as a milestone to the start of their cricket journey through the pathway. We are delighted to be launching it on a more formal basis this year along with a new school cricket kit providing welcome additional impetus.

“The school aims to provide talented young cricketers with the chance to receive top-level coaching and playing opportunities in outstanding surroundings and facilities whilst furthering their education. Any boy or girl wishing to play cricket has the opportunity to do so and anyone aspiring to become a county and or professional cricketer has the opportunity to progress.”

The aspirational School Cricket Pathway has resulted in a number of the school’s students achieving representational call-ups. More than 20 players have been identified for the county or district pathway selection process and Ellesmere College was prominent in the county and club awards scene.

Throughout the school more than 50 pupils were involved in playing for local clubs. Success from the programme has included Ben Gibbon who has recently secured a professional contract with Worcestershire CCC, Georgia Munro has played age group cricket for Wales and has been selected to join Western Force Academy, based in the South West and Wales. Oliver Moore played for Staffordshire U18s as an U16, Ben Wright and Charlie Boys were selected for their respected EPP Programmes in Cheshire and Wales.

“Girls cricket continues to progress and school history was made when two girls, Georgia Munro and Emily Ashley, played in the 1^st XI cricket team against the MCC last year,” Mr Owen added.

“Cricket is an integral and inclusive part of the provision at Ellesmere College and the Cricket Development Programme with Academy Pathway encourages our players to be leaders and independent thinkers in an aspirational team environment and a team Ellesmere culture of self-improvement.”

For more information about cricket opportunities at Ellesmere College please visit www.ellesmere.com.