Sunrisers are pleased to be able to announce their 2021 Academy intake.
Following a disjointed winter, with recreational sport put on hold through the fight against Covid-19, the first week of April saw the final observations take place. Subsequently Sunrisers have invited 14 talented young players from across the London & East region to form the inaugural Sunrisers Academy.
Across the cohort six different counties are represented, Essex leading the way with five of the group and Middlesex providing three players. The group is finished off with two players from Northamptonshire, and one a piece from Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire.
Speaking of the plans for Sunrisers Academy over the summer, Luke Pomfret, Sunrisers Regional Talent Manager said:
“I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to complete our Academy Selection Process, the standard across the board was very high and a huge thank you must go out to everyone who made the observation process possible, from players & parents to the venues and coaches that supported the process! The group of 14 young cricketers we have selected is a diverse and exciting one and they are all raring to go. The purpose of our Academy is to develop talent within the region and to produce players for the Sunrisers Senior Team and the England Women’s Pathway and we hope that a number of these girls are able to make that step up in the coming years. We have already been able to play warm up games against Northamptonshire & Middlesex that presented the girls with some good challenges and they have already been able to demonstrate excellent learning. We have games against the other regional academies throughout the summer as well as a Regional Academy Festival in July and are fortunate enough to have secured Haileybury School as our regular training base for the summer as well as fixtures against the school.”
Regional Director of Women’s Cricket, Danni Warren, praised all involved with the elongated selection process:
“I cannot speak highly enough of all those involved in our trial process over the last six months, both players and delivery staff alike. During what has been a very frustrating winter all those nominated into the process remained a credit to their counties, showing adaptability and purpose in all that they did, in person or over video calls. The depth of talent, and more pertinently the character, shown throughout the process has been incredibly pleasing to see.
All at Sunrisers would like to thank our partners who have made it possible to finalise these selections. Ipswich School, Oundle School and Merchant Taylors School who opened their doors when restrictions allowed and all counties across the region for their understanding and patience. I would also like to credit the Sunrisers Professional Players and Staff who have given up their time to support the nominated players during lockdown, their stories and expertise providing inspiration for all.”
Sunrisers Academy 2021
Elsa Barnfather Hayley Brown Anisha Dissanayake Jodi Grewcock Scarlett Hughes Layla Judge Esmae MacGregor Flo Miller Jess Olorenshaw Mia Rogers Issy Routledge Katherine Speed Amuruthaa Surenkumar Jasmine Westley