Northamptonshire have named the 17 young cricketers who will comprise the County's Academy squad for the coming year.

It follows the ECB's decision to back the club's Academy programme by granting Northamptonshire a four-year licence to develop players aged between 13 and 18. In addition, four cricketers will make up the Senior Academy squad, funded exclusively by the County.

Academy Director Richard Smith explains: "It's been a pretty rigorous selection process, beginning back in August when David Capel, our Director of Excellence, and other coaches were asked to identify possible players for the squad."

"From there, this final list of nominations was drawn up. It'll be a busy programme for them this winter, with eight weekend sessions before Christmas and another five afterwards."

"They'll be introduced to the whole Academy concept, and we've organised sessions on all aspects of their cricketing and personal development, including fitness and sports psychology."

Of the seven players chosen in the inaugural Academy intake last autumn, five are retained. Robert White, named recently as Northamptonshire's Young Cricketer of the Year, has been offered a professional contract, while Martyn Dobson has opted to leave the club.

Nine members of the new 2001/2 squad appeared last summer in Northamptonshire Young Cricketers' age-group teams, while seamers Adam Shantry and Craig Jennings – from Shropshire and Staffordshire respectively – turned out for the County Colts. Dorset-based wicketkeeper Chris Parks was given a trial in Northamptonshire's Second XI.

© Northamptonshire CCC