Devizes Area Board last night awarded the club £2,000 to set up and run a junior academy for the next two years.

The Board had invited young people linked to a club or group to put forward applications for funding for a project that would benefit them and the community.

Some of our under 16s put in a proposal for the academy, which will be a place for talented young players, coaches and umpires to develop their skills.  It will also be a springboard for entry into regional age group competitions.  The academy will take place once a month.  At the moment it is open to all players in years 8 and 9 and invited players from year 7.  As the academy develops, the age range it caters for will widen.  Under 16s will be able to take part next year.

Emily Buller, Laura Holland and Megan Taylor presented the proposal to the Devizes Area Board in front of 100 people, and afterwards the board unanimously agreed that they should be awarded the full grant applied for of £2,000.  Huge thanks to them, and to Ellie Papps, Jade Shergold and Louise Buller, who also worked on the proposal.

More information about the academy will be available soon.