Cricket in the North West has been given a boost with the launch of the North West Warriors Cricket Academy at Bready Cricket Centre.
Boyd Rankin gives Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín a few bowling tips.
The Warriors are an inter-provincial side who play in the all-Ireland Championships and the new Academy will nurture future Warriors – 13-18 year olds from across the North West – as they strive to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who launched the Academy, said cricket was enjoying a growing reputation across Ireland and the new Academy aimed to capture this by encouraging and developing the next generation of players.
During her visit, the Minister met Boyd Rankin, the Bready native who played for Ireland and made his test debut for England during the Ashes last month.
“It is a pleasure to meet Boyd, particularly at his home ground.” the Minister said.
“He is an inspirational figure, a sportsman who links the Bready Cricket Club, in County Tyrone, with the latest Ashes series in Australia; a local man playing his cricket at the highest levels. As we look to the next generation, Boyd shows what can be achieved with talent, hard work and dedication. The fact he is here this evening can only serve to encourage the young people present.”
The North West Warriors Academy is headed by former Indian Test player Bobby Rao, who has been a key figure in the development of cricket.
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