The next generation of Test cricketers is set to be home grown in Wales, with the launch of the new Cardiff Glamorgan Centre of Cricketing Excellence this weekend.

The Cardiff Glamorgan Centre will be officially launched with the help of Steve James, the newly-appointed captain of Glamorgan, at 5.00pm on Sunday, October 29th at the Indoor Cricket Centre, Sophia Gardens.

Three South Wales Universities, as part of a national scheme by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have formed the Centre. UWIC (University of Wales Institute, Cardiff), the University of Glamorgan and Cardiff University have joined to form the Cardiff Glamorgan Centre, one of six UK Centres that will receive £50,000 each year to ensure that the best young cricketers can combine higher education with opportunities to develop their cricket.

The launch will take place during a two-day training camp on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October, which is part of the squad selection process. 75 initial hopefuls have been assessed, and 35 potential players have been selected for this camp.

The Centres of Cricketing Excellence are aimed at male students with potential to play First Class Cricket, and female students who have played to senior county level. The Cardiff Glamorgan Centre will play its home matches at grounds used by Glamorgan County Cricket Club, including Sophia Gardens.

Former Glamorgan professional Kevin Lyons has been appointed as the Centre's coach and co-ordinator, and he says: "This scheme offers a unique opportunity to talented young cricketers to develop their skills through a structured training, coaching and playing programme, whilst completing their higher education."

For further information, please contact: Bethan Davies, UWIC, Tel: 029 2041 6053; Estelle Hitchon, University of Glamorgan, Tel: 01443 483362; Debra Lewis, Cardiff University, Tel: 029 2087 4499; Andrew Walpole, ECB, Tel: 020 7432 1252 or 0778 552 7102.

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