The EDM recently met with Don Keiller from the Cambridge UCCE to discuss the possibility of setting up a European scholarship programme.

Cambridge UCCE is one of the ECB's six University Centres of Cricketing Excellence established to encourage talented young cricketers to go into Higher Education by providing them with the best possible opportunities to develop their cricket at University. The Cambridge Universities UCCE is a partnership between Anglia Polytechnic University and Cambridge University, and is open to students from both institutions, with selection usually requiring representation at County age-group level or above.

James Allen, a past UCCE student, with Jimmy Adams (West Indies) Photo © ICC

The Cambridge campus is only 200 yards from Fenners Cricket Ground, and boasts a newly re-laid wicket and indoor nets, with over £2.5 million committed to a new 4-lane indoor school. The centre's full time ECB Level III Coach, Chris Scott, a specialist wicket-keeper/batsman, has fourteen years First Class cricketing experience with Notts and Durham, and was recently appointed England U17 Group Coach.

All players at the centre undergo regular physiological monitoring and testing at APU's Human Performance Laboratory to determine a set of physiological criteria to establish each player's optimal training programme. In addition, all players are given a rigorous eye-function test at APU's Optometry Clinic to diagnose any correctable visual defects that could affect their game.

Players are guaranteed at least 3 matches against County sides, as well as competing in UCCE League matches, BUSA Knockout matches, and matches against invitation sides such as The Lashings, a `pub' team usually including up to half a dozen West Indian Test players such as Brian Lara, Jimmy Adams and Richie Richardson.

This exciting project, although by no means confirmed, will provide another opening for European cricketers as part of the EDP's high performance programme. Look out for further details in due course.