Durham Cricket Boys’ Junior Academy will visit the United Arab Emirates in January to compete in the under 16 boys section of the Gulf Cup.
14 youngsters from across the region have been invited to represent Durham in the tournament.
Durham has developed a relationship with cricket in that area over the past 20 years. Well over 100 young players, boys and girls, have benefited from the experience.
Scott Borthwick captained the first group to visit in 2003, with Ben Stokes and Matthew Potts also attending when they were under 15. Ben McKinney was part of the last victorious squad to visit, winning the under 17 tournament.
It is a magnificent experience for all the players and provides a fabulous opportunity to develop cricket skills whilst experiencing a different culture.
The team will be based in Ajman playing at venues across the UAE.
Tour party: Alfie Blenkiron (Bishop Auckland), Sam Hood (Washington), Oliver Jenkins (Norton), Xavier Lockey (Rockliffe Park), Harvey Lowe (Seaton Carew) Parker Lowe (Middlesbrough), Bertie Morris (Richmond), Myles Price (Seaham Park), Harry Simpson (Chester le Street), Harry Walker (Brandon), Henry Wilds (Durham City), Lennon Harmison (Ashington), George Stewart (Tynemouth), Zach Barton (Easingwold)
The tour will be led by Men’s Pathway Coaches, James Lowe, Cole Pearce and Stuart Poynter.
The team will leave on Wednesday 31 December spending 10 days in the Gulf.
The boys are now fundraising for the trip. If you would like to support the tour or know of anyone that would, please contact Academy and Pathway Administrator Vicki Dawson at Vicki.Dawson@durhamcricket.co.uk