Nottinghamshire’s Fateh Singh and Ben Martindale, and The Blaze’s Sophie Munro, Grace Ballinger, Teresa Graves and Josie Groves have been inducted into the professional game following the 2023 Rookie Camp at Edgbaston.
Notts’ Head Coach Peter Moores also provided a keynote speech as players and administrators from within the game shared valuable insight to the 67 young cricketers in attendance.
Singh and Martindale have both graduated through the Green and Golds’ academy, having represented the club’s county age groups prior to singing senior deals.
The pair have represented Notts Outlaws in List A cricket, with all-rounder Martindale making his debut in the most recent Royal London Cup campaign.
The Blaze quartet have, meanwhile, all been given their first professional contracts having all been on retainers.
Sophie Munro was named in the regional side’s initial tranche of rostered players following their move to Trent Bridge in November, before Ballinger, Graves and Groves were all added following increased investment into women’s regional cricket.
PCA Director of Member Services, Ian Thomas, said: “It was inspiring to see so many young professional players being inducted into their dream job.
“It is testament to the work that has been achieved in recent years to see a record amount of players in attendance at Rookie Camp. Having 67 new members in the room is a direct result of the implementation of rookie contracts and rapid growth of the women’s game.
“The aim has been to educate those players on what life is like as a professional, to mitigate the pitfalls whilst inspiring every individual to be the best cricketer and person they can be.
“The day is not possible without the support of our valued partners and a special thanks to Graham Gooch who has led on financial support through the Graham Gooch Scholarship and the Essex Cricket Foundation.”
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