Worcestershire CCC Talent Pathway aspires to lead in terms of talent identification, development and inclusion where we support players to thrive in cricket, for Worcestershire and England.
The observations days will take place at Malvern College, each age group will have the opportunity to attend 2 x 2 hour sessions. If a player can only attend 1 out of 2 session’s due to injury or personal reasons, and WCCC can decide from one observation there will not be a requirement to attend an additional date, If WCCC cannot not make a selection decision after 1 session the player will be asked to attend an additional date or full programme session.
During observations, players will be scored by several coaches on how they demonstrate their capabilities whilst batting, bowling and fielding. Players will be observed by qualified staff and scores/notes will be recorded for each player who attends, the staff on the day will always look to make sure players feel welcome and invite players to be curious and ask questions.
Observations on players will be aligned to the Pathways’ Guiding Principles:
Batters: Do they play to their STRENGTHS with the aim of SCORING RUNS
Bowlers: Do they bowl their BEST ball as often as possible, whilst carrying a THREAT*
Fielders: Do they field with a WICKET TAKING MENTALITY
Fielders: Do they show CONFIDENCE in catching, throwing and stopping a hard cricket ball
*Seamers: Pace – Bounce – Movement – Control
*Spinners: Drop – Drift – Spin – Control
Worcestershire County Cricket Club Boys pathway structure is detailed below, this gives you as a parent/guardian a greater understanding of how we run the pathway, what each stage receives in terms of support and why we do it.
Under 10
First WCCC CAG programme.
Winter Indoor Programme.
Worcester Pathway Performance League (WPPL).
Under 11
Winter Indoor Programme
Worcester Pathway Performance League (WPPL)
External County Fixtures*
*All players to have equal access to fixtures
Under 12
Winter Indoor Programme
Worcester Pathway Performance League (WPPL)
External County Fixtures
External Development Fixtures
Can access WCCC Development squad funded by MCCF if unsuccessful to CAG Squads
Under 13
Winter Indoor Programme
Worcester Pathway Performance League (WPPL)
External County Fixtures
External Development Fixtures
Can access WCCC Development squad funded by MCCF if unsuccessful to CAG Squads and attend a state school
Under 14
Winter Indoor Programme
ECB Competition Fixtures
Depending on numbers and what the trial process reveals WCCC does have the option to run a second U14/U15 Development squad for 2027
Under 16
Winter Indoor Programme
ECB Competition Fixtures
Depending on numbers and what the trial process reveals WCCC does have the option to run a second U14/U15 Development squad for 2027
Under 18
Winter Indoor Programme
ECB Competition 3 Day
ECB Competition T20
ECB Competition 50 Over
MCCF
If a player attends a state school and is not selected for the CAG (U12, U13, U14, or U15), they may be offered a place at one of WCCC’s two MCCF hubs.
Winter Indoor Programme
Summer Match Programme
Upon completion of observations players will be written to and be provided with a breakdown of their scores and subjective observations to assist in the players development. There may be exit routes for players not selected dependant on their age via our relationship with Herefordshire Cricket Limited.
In addition to players being considered to U12, U13, U14 and U15 County Age Group cricket WCCC will run two development squads at U13 and U15’s. These development squads will be for state school players only and are funded courtesy of the MCC Foundation.
The development programme will consist of 15 hours of winter contact time and numerous match play opportunities in the summer.
Additional information around the MCCF can be found here
Should the player be successful into entering the WCCC County Talent Pathway the winter programme runs from Sunday 4th January 2026 – Sunday 26th April and is held at Malvern College.
The programme includes in excess of 220 players from U10-U18.
Should you require additional information regarding the WCCC Talent Pathway including ‘Performance Plan’ & ‘Selection Criteria, Policy & Appeals’ and additional literature please follow this link