FORMER first-team captain Jon Pearson has vowed to uncover the next generation of Tenbury cricketing talent.

Pearson is the new youth development manager at Tenbury Cricket Club.

Tenbury will, for the first time, be running an under-17 side and competing in the Worcestershire County Championship’s Ryan Birt Memorial Trophy.

Pearson spoke of his plans for the new youth section at the club’s annual general meeting.

“It’s a new direction for the club - it’s the first time we have done anything like this,” said Pearson, a firefighter who also works for his family’s HP Mouldings business.

“We have not had a junior structure before. We are starting small this year and then, next year, want to push on with additional teams at under-13 and under-15 levels.

“It’s something that will be great for the club - we are looking for the next generation of players in Tenbury.

“It’s a great opportunity to encourage youngsters to play cricket and see them progress through the structure at Tenbury Cricket Club.”

Tenbury’s new under-17 team will soon be training indoors at the high school.

Their knock-out cup match is at Bewdley on Sunday, May 5 (10am start).

Tenbury must have a youth system after gaining promotion from Worcestershire County League Division Three.

“If you don’t have an organised youth structure, you cannot be in Division Two,”

explained Pearson, whose brother, Karl, played cricket for Herefordshire Minor Counties.

“We have seven or eight players aged around 30 years old and they are now peaking and that’s why we’ve just had a couple of excellent seasons at senior level.

“I hope to get on a coaching course as soon as I can and take a level one or level two course.

“I have been playing cricket since I was 14 years old and I now want to put something back into the sport and into the club.

“I have spoken to Adrian Taylor at Tenbury High School and he says we will be surprised to see how good some of the children are.”

Officers elected at Tenbury Cricket Club’s annual meeting last Friday: Chair man: Alan Taylor; vice-chairman: Darren Ingram; treasurer: Ade Edwards.

First-team captain: Aaron Morris; Second-team captain: To be filled; Sunday team captain: Jack Farrar.

For more details about Tenbury Cricket Club’s new under-17 team, call Jon Pearson on 07896 667945 or email: bonzo999@live.co.uk