Emerging Play Programme (EPP)

Boys

Our Boys EPP Programme is supported by our First-Class partner Worcestershire County Cricket Club (WCCC) and aims to offer players of high potential between the ages of 13 and 18 additional support. Selected players get integrated and specialist coaching on a weekly basis through the Autumn/Winter months. Further information and objectives below;

  • to augment the existing County Age-Group playing programme
  • to provide young players of high potential with crucial early development to develop the core foundations of future performance
  • to provide a longitudinal opportunity for the assessment of future potential
  • to inform selection and create better transitions into the 18 FCC Academy programmes

The core delivery model is that Shropshire Cricket Board (SCB) will work collaboratively with Worcestershire County Cricket Club (WCCC) to promote the advancement of players to a First-Class County Academy.

As part of the selection process, players are monitored via the Development and Performance Programmes. Scouting is also in place via the summer match programme. A cohort of players is confirmed annually to gain additional support via this programme.

We currently have six registered Shropshire EPP players with two Shropshire players on the full Worcestershire Academy Programme.

Girls

Further progression and support for Girls within our Performance Programme is available via our professional regional partner Central Sparks.

Central Sparks run three regional EPP Programmes within the West Midlands (North/Central/South) to provide crucial further support to players from the West Midlands Counties. Central Sparks also run a full academy programme that sits above the EPP Programmes and looks to feed players into Women’s professional cricket.

As part of the selection process, players are monitored via the Development and Performance Programmes and a short list of players (U13-18) is provided to Central Sparks for further observation. Central Sparks manage the scouting and selection process to confirm annual cohorts for both their EPP and Academy Programmes.

We currently have one Shropshire player accessing the Central Sparks EPP Programme and three Shropshire players on the full Central Sparks Academy Programme.

Our Pathway Programme is overseen by Pathway & Coaching Manager Ed Ashlin. Operationally, Ed’s primary role is to manage the Performance and EPP Programmes. His contact details can be found below;

Email: ed.ashlin@shropshirecricketboard.co.uk

Phone: 07447 629537