Somerset County Cricket Club claimed another first when the Playing for Success Study Support Centre that is based at the County Ground was officially opened by Mr Michael Phipps, Divisional Manager from the Department of Education and Skills.

In his opening speech Mr Phipps told the large group of representatives from the education and sporting world who gathered in the Centre of Execellence for the occasion that whilst three other first class counties, Durham, Leicestershire and Northants also have Playing for Success Centres, Somerset were the first Centre to be officially opened.

The state-of-the-art ICT centre, which wasinitially launched at the ground in June, has already provided learning opportunities in literacy, numeracy and ICT for more than 100 young people.

The students, aged from ten to 14 years, also benefit from the development of their personal and social education.

A summer school was held during the summer holidays and regular sessions are held for up to 20 students at the end of the school day. The star pupil on each course is rewarded by a free membership to Somerset Cricket Club.

Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson told those present: "It's very pleasing that we have been able to put these facilities to good community use, and it is a delight to see the young people here at the County Ground."

The Somerset boss also paid tribute to Simon Lowe who is the Playing for Success Study Support Centre Manager. He said: "With all good ideas you need someone to put them into practice and Simon Lowe has done a superb job. He is very enthusiatic and a great ambassador for the Centre.".

Simon Lowe, a lifelong cricket enthusiast who taught PE and maths at Ladymead School in Taunton for 12 years before taking on his new job told me: "The centre is a fantastic place for young people to come and learn. The County Ground is a great setting for a classroom. Having the players as an integral part of the young people's learning experiences and the environment of a professional sports club inspires them to attain higher levels than perhaps they are used to at school."

The Playing for Success Study Support Centre is open on four evenings a week, and at present is attended by students from four primary and four secondary schools in the Taunton area.

© SOMERSET