European Academy - 6-21 April

The cream of Europe's cricketers will be heading for the sunny climes of Alfaz, on the east coast of Spain, in April to attend the ICC European Development Programme's first Academy.

Ex-England fast bowler Mike Hendrick, Test umpire John Holder and Derbyshire's ex-Great Dane, fast bowler Ole Mortensen, are amongst those who have already signed up to join the highly qualified team of European ECB staff coaches who will be on hand to share their huge cricketing experience with the 15 participants.

The Academy programme has been specifically designed to equip participants with as many new skills as possible in the time available, and will include fitness testing and training, specialist coaching in batting, bowling and fielding and video analysis sessions, an introductory coaching course and community coaching sessions, umpiring lectures, and, of course, match play.

It is hoped that this will enable them to make a significant impact on return to their respective countries, and help drive development forward.

The facilities at the Alfaz oval will, in the meantime, be upgraded in preparation for the Academy, with a double bay net, a bowling machine and cages being provided by the European Development Programme.

The European Development Programme already provides young European cricketers with numerous opportunities to test themselves against one another on the field of play on a regular basis, with tournaments at U13, U15, U17 and U19 level, followed by an A-Team tournament for those on the brink of selection for their full national squad. A number of youngsters from across Europe have also benefited from professional tuition at U15 and U18 youth camps, or from stints with the MCC Young Cricketers during the summer.

Recent interest in the programme from English counties and the ECB's University Cricketing Centres of Excellence may lead to additional opportunities for the most talented youngsters. All in all, the future of European cricket is looking increasingly bright.