Cricket club starts trust to support young talent

Jamie Cox (R), pictured with Brian Foxwell, says Somerset "is the wonderful club that it is due to the quality of its people"

A cricket club has started a trust to help identify, develop and support young players with potential.

Somerset County Cricket Club created the trust in honour of Brian Foxwell and his late wife Julie Foxwell, who have been life-long supporters. The couple donated money to assist aspiring cricketers in state schools by providing a pathway to a professional level.

The Brian and Julie Foxwell Trust will build on the existing Regional State School Programme to support an additional 100 young players, the club said.

Caroline Herbert, commercial director at the club, added: "Everyone at the club is incredibly grateful for their donation, which will create a long-lasting legacy."

The trust will focus on discovering and developing cricketing talent among boys and girls in years five, six and seven.

Children on the programme will learn transferrable skills and be taught about potential over performance, the club said.

They will also participate in winter training, summer matches and a summer festival.

Matt Drakeley, the club's director of talent and development said the trust would "provide further opportunities for those in state schools to fulfil their potential".

And Jamie Cox, the club's chief executive officer, added: "Somerset is the wonderful club that it is due to the quality of its people.

"Brian and Julie's generosity and foresight in developing this initiative is truly wonderful and will ensure that so many more young players get to experience cricket."