Published on: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
We are celebrating another milestone in our proud cricketing heritage as several of our pupils join the Somerset County Cricket Club Academy this autumn. The Academy, based at the Cooper Associates County Ground, welcomes the region’s most promising young players, and our pupils are once again well represented among the new intake.
Joining the Academy this season, all-rounder Theo L and bowler Harry D, who will link up with fellow King’s pupils already in the programme, including wicket-keeper batter Thomas R, fast bowler Blaise B, and top-order batter Bertie M. Adding to our impressive cricketing roster, James M, another King’s pupil, has been selected for the Gloucestershire Academy.
Girls’ Cricket is Thriving
Girls’ cricket at King’s continues to go from strength to strength. Katie R, Maddie R, and Emma M are part of the Somerset Girls’ Emerging Player Programme (EPP), while Mia M and Erin D are making their mark on the international stage, currently representing Jersey Women’s team in the T10 European Cricket Women’s Championship.
In addition to those playing for Somerset, we have a number of pupils representing county teams across the South West, including Devon, Cornwall, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Jersey. This spans the entire cricketing pathway, from junior teams to EPP and even international competitions.
A Legacy of Excellence
Our Head of Cricket, Rob Woodman, expressed pride in our continued success. “Whilst we are a relatively small school, we feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved, consistently, over a number of years. If you also include our young cricketers from King’s Prep, then we have a substantial number of really talented players.”
Rob credits our experienced coaching team, first-class facilities, and dedicated grounds team for helping pupils realise their potential.
“This success is driven by the great coaching staff and grounds team we have here at King’s, and by the excellent facilities we have available on-site. Our students are very lucky to have a wide range of sessions available to them over the winter, enabling them to transition seamlessly into the summer programme.”
We are proud to have such a rich cricketing history, with numerous pupils progressing to play first-team cricket and even representing England at the highest level. Notable alumni include Jos Buttler, England’s World Cup-winning captain, and Tom Banton, a rising star in international cricket.
Honouring the Partnership with Somerset
Our long-standing connection to Somerset County Cricket Club further strengthens the school’s position as a hub for nurturing young talent. With access to the club’s Pathway and winter training programmes, our pupils benefit from elite-level coaching and opportunities to develop their game.
Looking Ahead
As the next generation of King’s cricketers steps up to the crease, we remain committed to fostering their development both on and off the field. From our youngest pupils at King’s Prep to those excelling at county and international levels, King’s continues to set the standard for cricketing excellence in the region.
For any aspiring cricketers at King’s, the opportunities are endless, and the future looks brighter than ever.