YOUNG Cricket enthusiasts are being given the opportunity to take part in a development programme at the new Weymouth Cricket Club Junior Academy.

The initiative is aimed at budding players who are looking to make a future for themselves in the county or professional game but application to it is via invitation only, with just eight places up for grabs.

The cost of each place is £80, which includes a Wey-mouth Cricket Club cap, and once selected the players will attend eight hour-and-a-half sessions, with the only acceptable absen-ces being through illness or attendance at ECB Acad-emy trails.

Weymouth’s head coach Sean Fitzgerald said: “Wey-mouth Cricket Club has created many links with county, district and club officials to ensure the best path-ways to success for all our students, and regular up-dates will be forwarded to all officials, as well as county and academy management teams when required.

“All Weymouth Cricket Club staff and members of the academy will also be expected to adhere to a strict code of behaviour with any failures to do so resulting in appropriate action being taken.

“This is a new adventure for the club and we shall be looking to expand the academy next year should we gain the valuable support from all of its members.”

Anyone wishing to find out more about the new academy can contact Fitzgerald on 07507592093 or by sending an email to sfitzy1@aol.com