Since the end of the cricket season the winter Cricket Coaching Scheme, run by the GCA's full-time Development Officer, Philip Hudson, has begun.

Philip will visit all the schools in Gibraltar throughout the winter and continue his work for the whole of the year. Around 150 children, both boys and girls, have experienced playing cricket and received coaching while at school so far this winter.

Next month will also see the start of the new GCA Academy.

Twelve Players have been selected, from U13s to U19s. The Academy is aimed at Gibraltar's most talented players who the GCA believe will progress into the national team over the coming years.

The aim of the GCA, under Philip's guidance, is to introduce these players to areas of cricket such as fitness, eating habits and teamwork. They will also receive extra coaching both as a group and on a one-to-one basis.

The programme begins in December with the boys starting their fitness training and receiving a lecture from a local nutritionist.

All players will also be videotaped so their batting and bowling techniques can be studied.

Development Squad training has also begun for all the age groups. Around 20 players have been selected from each age group from the U13s to the colt's side.

They will be taking part in weekly training in the indoor nets and local gyms throughout the winter. These practices will benefit from the new lighting which is to be installed in the indoor net and will improve the facility greatly.

Twice-weekly training has also started for the indoor squad for the coming European Indoor Championships.