Photo © ECC

The ECC and Spain made history in April by running the first European Cricket Academy. The two-week Academy was based in Alfaz (near Benidorm) and J·vea, in the Alicante area, with participants from ten different European countries. It was an intensive two weeks for all concerned and the ECC utilised the services of eight different staff members.

Photo © ECC

Included in the staffing line up were Ex- England cricketer Mike Hendrick, Test umpire John Holder and former Middlesex physio Simon Shepard. The participants were put through an intensive training programme that included specialist one-to-one coaching, and fitness training, as well playing against local opposition.

Photo © ECC

The AEC benefited from hosting the academy in terms of ground development and promotion of the game in different areas as well as the local schools, whilst the fourteen participants should be names to watch at forthcoming ECC Tournaments.