Blog by Rafferty D. (Year 10)

After an exciting summer of cricket both at school and playing county cricket, I felt like I’d learnt so much and really grew as a player. So when I was selected to attend the EPP observation sessions, I was really looking forward to them,  even though with so few places, I honestly didn’t expect to get in!

Then in September I got an email saying I’d been selected for the programme for 2025–2026! The programme is run by Northants CC  from November to July with boys chosen from Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire, aged from U14 to U17.  I was so happy and proud to be included. I was selected mainly for my batting, but I’ll also get the chance to work on my Off-spin bowling too, which I’m really pleased about.

I started the programme properly in October half term, with 4 hours of fitness assessments!  It’s really interesting to learn where my levels are and how that can impact my game. We have now started the weekly 3 hour training sessions, each one covers fitness, speed, batting / bowling and fielding. We have 4 or 5 coaches for each session who are observing and providing feedback – which is amazing.

A big focus in on S&C – and I have been set a personal programme to work through each week using their app – its hard but really great to know what to focus on –  we have the option to go to drop-in sessions if we want extra help or feedback.

Other parts of the programme are classroom based and cover everything from nutrition, match play and psychology in challenging situations!

It’s still early days, but I’m loving the challenge so far, even if I’ve got lots to work on! I’m taking it week by week and  hoping to make some good progress this winter ready for the summer.