Alastair Cook’s school partners with cricket club

Ex-NCCC player Charlie Thurston coaching boys at his former school in Bedford

A boarding school that has produced cricket stars including Sir Alastair Cook is teaming up with a county club to encourage a new generation of cricketers.

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club (NCCC) and Bedford School have announced the partnership, which aims to "nurture talent".

Former and current NCCC players Charlie Thurston, Emilio Gay and Gus Miller have already returned to their alma mater to coach "elite players".

Headmaster of Bedford School, James Hodgson, said: "Together we will inspire the next generation of cricketers."

Bedford School hopes to inspire the next generation of cricketers

The school’s existing cricket programme will be "enhanced with NCCC’s expertise" by providing elite players with "specialised training sessions".

It’s hoped the collaboration will help promising young cricketers "on their path to Northamptonshire County Cricket Club’s youth and academy teams".

Boys will also get the opportunity to meet the players at the NCCC ground and even take part in some of their training sessions.

Young cricketers from across the county will be able to use the school’s grounds as part of NCCC’s age-group cricket programme.

Alastair Cook, who played for Essex and England, is one of Bedford School's many cricket alumni

The independent school, founded in 1552, has a long-standing cricket heritage, with alumni such as Sir Alastair Cook, Alex Wakely, James Kettleborough, Charlie Thurston and Harry Gouldstone.

Mr Hodgson said: "We’re delighted to officially join forces with NCCC. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic education and sporting excellence and together we will inspire the next generation of cricketers."