Western Storm Development Squad in training

Western Storm plan for future

Western Storm, the women’s cricket team based in South West England, have recently been training their newly formed development squad at the University of Exeter Cricket Centre.

The squad consists of the best female cricket talent across Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wales, with 14 girls being selected in total, all with potential to represent the senior side in years to come.

Using the excellent facilities on offer within the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Devon Cricket Centre at the Sports Park, the team have been put through their paces by experienced coaches.

Head Coach of Western Storm, Trevor Griffin, said:

“This is a brand new set up to help female cricketers progress and reach their potential – it’s a really exciting time for us all, and to have the University of Exeter on board as one of the Storm Partners is fantastic. We all appreciate being able to use their state-of-the-art facilities, it will make a great difference to everyone.”

The centre offers four full length indoor nets (38 metres), an 800 square metre indoor playing area, video analysis technology, bowling machines, 1750 flux lighting and a high performance flooring system.

Regarding the development squad, Western Storm General Manager, Lisa Pagett, said:

“The Western Storm Development Programme have really enjoyed utilising the top facilities on offer at the University of Exeter. The Programme features 14 high potential female cricketers age 14-18 years from across the South West considered to have the potential to be a future player in the Western Storm full squad.”

“Training in high quality performance environments is key to providing the best possible support for the players, giving them every chance of fulfilling their potential – something that the University of Exeter, as a key consortium partner, have been brilliant in offering us.”

The Development Squad also features the University of Exeter Sport logo on their training kit – highlighting the strong collaboration being formed between the two organisations.

University of Exeter Director of Sport, Alison Davidson, said:

“The partnership with Somerset County Cricket Club, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and the ECB in creating Western Storm is an exciting opportunity for women and girls cricket. Supported by alumni, our involvement aims to cement the University of Exeter as a key destination for women to continue their cricketing aspirations at an exceptional University. We are delighted to be able to host the development squad and ensure that girls from across the region see what Exeter has to offer. “

Current University of Exeter student, Freya Davies and former student, Amara Carr both represent Western Storm senior team and were instrumental in helping them reach the final of the inaugural KIA Twenty20 Super League in August 2016.

By introducing a development squad, Western Storm hope to create a connection between young players and the franchise, providing them with a long term focus to realise their potential.

Cricket is one of nine focus sports at the University of Exeter, offering leading support and a sports scholarship scheme to talented athletes. For more information about the High Performance Programme and the Sports Scholarship Scheme, please contact Charlotte Hale.

Date: 5 January 2017