Grace Gibbs selected in MCC Young Cricketers squad

Kent's Grace Gibbs is one of nine promising cricketers selected to develop their skills and progress their cricketing ability at Lord's.

The 19-year-old Kent Cricket Academy graduate will take part in the MCC Women’s Young Cricketers programme for 18 to 22 year olds with potential outside of the ECB and major county frameworks, to help them achieve elite levels of cricket in the medium term.

The players are given the opportunity to train at the Home of Cricket throughout the year, under the tutelage of Lancashire coach Jen Laycock and former England international Jan Godman.

Gibbs, a fast bowler from Lewisham who has played for England Under-19s, said: "The level of coaching is great and this program will push all the girls to their full potential.

"It’s nice to have the freedom to concentrate on what you want to improve in the training – it’s a really lovely atmosphere amongst the group and I’m really excited about the rest of the year."

As part of the programme, players work on a one to one basis with Laycock, Godman and other elite coaches throughout the winter and come together for a number of training camps and MCC matches during the summer.

Laycock said: "The MCC Women’s Young Cricketers scheme is a great way for talented girls to develop their games alongside other important life skills.

"It’s a pleasure to be involved with and hopefully the girls can follow in the footsteps of many previous Women’s Young Cricketers who have forged successful careers in the game.”

Notable graduates from the MCC Women’s Young Cricketers scheme include England internationals Heather Knight, Sarah Taylor and Dani Wyatt.

MCC Women's Young Cricketers 2015:Steph Butler(Staffordshire),Amara Carr(wkt,Devon), Freya Davies(Sussex),Grace Gibbs(Kent),Lydia Harris(Devon), Georgia Hennessy(Warwickshire), Georgia Holmes(Lancashire), Sophie Luff (Somerset), Carla Rudd(wkt,Berkshire).

England take on Australiaat The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrencein the only Women's Kia Test Match as part of an extended Canterbury Week this summer.

Entry to the Women’s Ashes clash on August 11-14 and Kent v Australia men on June 25-28 is included in Kent All Rounder and Championship Plus Memberships and is an option for Six Pack package holders.

Members can also buy up to six guest tickets before the fixture goes on general sale in March 2015.

Click here to secure your 2015 Membership

Kent Women's Cricket is proudly sponsored by Canterbury Christ Church University.