Central Sparks are pleased to announce the academy squad for the 2024 season. It was a good season with some promise in 2023 for the youth program, and we are keen to continue moving that forward next year.
The Sparks have retained all but two players. Meg Austin, who had senior team experience last year and Hannah Hardwick, who was included in the Trent Rockets Hundred squad are back for a second season with the academy.
Phoebe Brett and Amy Griffiths are included for the first time, while Libby Thomas, who scored a century at Sophia Gardens for Wales last year will also play in the academy side next season.
Past Academy graduates
In recent times, there have been many Sparks academy players who made the step up to senior level and graduated from our youth program. Four players selected for England U19 World Cup, five players with Hundred contracts, three full-time professional players, 25 wickets and 344 runs in 2023 RHFT & CEC and all regular features in Sparks senior matches.
Ellie Anderson, Hannah Baker, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin and Grace Potts.
Academy Head coach, Darren Franklin had this to say:
"It is great to have the academy squad released for next season. We are pleased that we've been able to retain the players we have, and adding Phoebe (Brett) and Amy (Griffiths) is great. As a team, we're excited to see the academy continue to develop in 2024."
Academy coaching staff
Darren Franklin – Academy Head coach
Andy Harland – Strength & Conditioning coach
Lauren Rowles – Talent manager & ECB Level 3 coach
Dom Ostler – Senior Squad Assistant coach & ECB Level 3 coach
Lloyd Tennant – Senior Squad Head coach & ECB Level 4 coach
Laura MacLeod – Director of Women’s cricket.
Central Sparks Academy squad:
Meg Austin, Sophie Beech, Phoebe Brett, Lexie Cantrill, Emily Churms, Isabel Ellsmore, Hannah Hardwick, Amy Griffiths, Libby Thomas, Ebony-Jade Tweats.