Commenting on the new partnership, Matt Root, father of England Test captain Joe and founder of the R66T Academy, said: “When we created the R66T Academy our intention was to try to provide some form of vocational accreditation for aspiring young cricketers. Our partnership with Sigma Sixth gives us the opportunity to do this for the first time.

“It is the ideal foundation for young boys and girls wanting to pursue a career in cricket. Not only will they receive a formal qualification equivalent to three ‘A’ levels (Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma) but they will also receive coaching of the highest standard and learn all aspects of the sport.

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“If the course is successful, the intention is to roll out the project in future to other parts of the country.”

The rationale behind the partnership is to give young cricketers the opportunity to combine academia with receiving cricket coaching. The course should help cricketers pursue academic qualifications while also developing their cricket. The cricketers involved in the programme will have access to at least six hours of coaching per week in addition to any games that may be scheduled for them.

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The course, named ‘The Cricket Academy’, has also been given the full backing by the England Test skipper, Joe Root. He said: “The Cricket Academy is a fantastic environment for young players to enhance their skills, both mentally and physically. To be able to train during the winter throughout the week is just like being a professional, catch the opportunity with both hands!”