The Lennon EO Cricket Academy officially opened their doors this morning and once again the intake consists of 17 high caliber players.

This is the view of Dave Emslie, CEO of the Eastern Province Cricket Board. "We are please that with this intake we have been able to create a balance between the need to provide opportunities to players from previously disadvantaged communities and the obvious development of this very talented group of players.

"The Academy is a very important tool which provides the province with a growing group of players "wanting in the wings" to one day possibly take their place in the contracted squad," Emslie said.

The Academy year commences in February and will end in in September. During this period the players will be provided with an opportunity to spend the next couple of months doing intensive training and coaching in the technical, physical and mental aspects of the game.

During the year the Academy players will have the backup of a qualified support team, which consists of sports scientists, physiotherapists, doctors as well, and ex-provincial and national players. A variety of courses such as groundsman, umpiring and coaching courses will be presented. Important life skills will also be developed to assists players for life beyond cricket. A Toastmasters course as well as financial and stress management classes will be offered.

This year sees the appointment of Vuyo Qumana as the Manager of the Academy. Various EP coaches such as Adi Birrell and Kepler Wessels (EP Consultant) will be on hand to coach the players.

"Of course all of the above would not be possible without the wonderful sponsorship give to the Academy by Lennons. UPE's involvement in the academy is also far reaching and their support has been tremendous over the years," said Qumana.

The Academy intake can once again look forward to a packed programme that will enhance and further their cricketing skills.

© Eastern Province Cricket Board