At the right point on a young cricketer's journey, we will move them, in consultation with their parents / guardians, to our cricket academy that runs from the age of 10 to 18.

Our goal never changes in cricket at the club. It is that participation and fun are more important than ability. However, hardball cricket is a different experience and the academy leads quickly onto this, so we need to be sure that all the ‘building blocks from All Stars and Dynamos’ are nicely in place to allow the player a happy and confident journey onto the next level.

We use the age range as a guide in this regard. Sometimes a child is ready for the academy at the age of 9. Sometimes it may take till 13. This doesn't matter at Brailsford. What is key to us is that they make the transition with confidence and continue to have fun playing our great game.

Under the Academy banner we have competitive teams playing against other clubs at: Under 11 / Under 13 / Under 15 / Under 17 and Under 19.

In some years, we occasionally do not have enough players to fill a squad in a particular age group. At this point, we will make an arrangement with another local club to enter a joint team into a league / competition to ensure the ongoing development of the players that we have.

Other clubs approach us in the same way, with the output being again that we all retain the emphasis on participation and a players circle of friends through playing the game, increases wider than just our club.

Academy players have a great range of training and white kit that is designed by the club and can be bought and personalised. Where finances permit we encourage this as it builds identity and team spirit. However it is in no way compulsory.

For information about our cricket academy please contact our representatives based on your child’s age;

Under 11 – Chis Thomason (07784 031101)

Under 15 – Jason Buckler (07900 406344)

Under 19 – Nigel Glossop (07768 644326)

or email juniorcricket@brailsforandednastoncc.co.uk

Brailsford & Ednaston