Kent Cricket Academy has joined forces with the University of Kent to once again offer a cricket scholarship scheme to one of the counties rising stars.

Kent Cricket Academy has been working with the University to attract young players with the potential to study there. Those chosen receive formal cricket coaching and make themselves available to play for Kent sides.

Kent Cricket all-rounder, Adam Ball, who was this week named captain of the England Under 19 squad for the Quadrangular ODI Series in Australia, is a former Kent Cricket Academy scholar, and the recipient of this year’s scholarship.  Adam is currently in his first year, studying for a degree in Sports Science at the University of Kent and the scholarship will assist him with some of the essential costs associated.

The scholarship is offered to a student selected by both Kent County Cricket Club and the University of Kent, with funding from the J & K Huntley Bursary. This bursary is the result of the generosity of the Huntley brothers, who left a significant sum of money to the Club upon their passing, to be used for the development of young cricketers in the county.

Graham Holmes, Director of Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation at the University of Kent commented; “The University of Kent is proud to support sportsmen and women in achieving their sporting and academic ambitions. Adam is a world class cricketer and we are keen to support him in his studies, enabling him to achieve both sporting and academic success.

“We are extremely proud to have this link with Kent County Cricket Club, who have an appreciation for our facilities and the very high standard of education available at our University, as well as the finely tuned support given to our scholars, which has been developed over a number of years and is now led by double Olympian Mel Clewlow, my Sports Development Manager.”

Adam Ball stated; “I’m so pleased to have the opportunity study at the University of Kent, and to be able to do this alongside my cricket commitments is great. The University understand that I need to keep the balance right and have an appreciation for what is involved.

“The scholarship also makes a real difference as it helps me to fund my fees and accommodation which takes off some of the pressure. I’ve signed a new three year contract with the Club and I am very grateful to have support from the University of Kent which will enable me to fulfil my potential and pursue my cricketing career whilst achieving an academic qualification.”

Simon Willis, Kent Cricket High Performance Director commented on the scheme; “I have always been very keen for our young players to get the academic support they require.

“Having extended his contract with the Club by three years, Adam has an excellent opportunity to maximise his cricket potential without compromising his educational needs at a University which has an appreciation for his cricket commitments. I hope we will have further young cricketers to offer this collaborative scholarship to in the future.”

As well as working together on the joint scholarship scheme, Kent Cricket and the University of Kent are also preparing for a Varsity cricket match, to be held at the St Lawrence Ground on Friday 11th May.

The University of Kent’s men’s and women’s cricket teams will face Canterbury Christ Church University in two Varsity matches at the St Lawrence Ground on out from 4pm into the evening (gates open at 3pm). Entry will be free to both matches, with entertainment, and a range of refreshments available.