MANY sports clubs are focusing on bringing through their young players and home-grown talent and none more so than Farnham Royal, writes Mel Ive.

The youth section has grown over a number of years and many of the young players have now burst through to blaze the way in the senior sides.

The first and second teams now boast five under-21 players such as second team vice-captain Martin Lynch, 18. The Sunday first team has an average of six U21s including David Morgan, 17, who recently captained the side for the first time.

Morgans said: “It’s a real honour to be elected as one of the captains at Farnham Royal. I was vice-captain to Brad Quelch who, after five years of being captain, wanted to step down and encouraged me to stand.

“Not many clubs would place their trust in youngsters to play at all levels and take the lead, but Farnham Royal are very much a forward-thinking and proactive club that really want to help young players develop and progress to the best of their abilities.”

Many of the young players have progressed beyond Farnham Royal. First team bowlers Charlie Jackson, 16, has been a regular Berkshire and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) player, while Eshwar Dutta, 17, is a regular for Bucks.

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PHOTO: Teen sensation David Morgans recently made 115* in his maiden century for Farnham Royal.

Morgans is a regular Berkshire player, but also a qualified ECB coach and an Activator coach for the new ECB All Stars programme that runs every Saturday morning at Farnham Royal.

However, it is not just on the pitch, as there are opportunities for young people off the pitch as well. The sport cannot continue without umpires and scorers, and with the support of qualified ECB officials, members can learn all aspects of the game.

And it is not just the club that is pro-youth as their new sponsor for the next two years, Bhaji’s Restaurant, were keen to support and promote sport in the community. Owner Shumon Ali and his family have always been involved locally.

Ali said :”To be able to support Farnham Royal as their main sponsor for the next two years is a great pleasure.

"With so many sports associations closing because youngsters are losing interest in sport, it’s exciting to see a club focused on providing opportunities and encouraging youngsters of all ages and abilities to get involved.”

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