With the first fixtures of the Worcestershire Academy season fast approaching, Academy Coach Elliot Wilson is full of anticipation, and challenge. His message to the next generation of Worcestershire stars? The opportunity is now.
“The lads have got some really exciting first couple of games,” Wilson says, speaking ahead of Thursday’s clash with Nottinghamshire and Sunday’s showdown against a strong Shropshire outfit. “It’s a chance to put down a marker, not just among their peers, but in front of the club’s coaches. There’s real quality in the opposition, and that brings real opportunity.”
It’s the kind of message that reflects a wider evolution in the Academy programme. This year, the players have had a more tightly connected pre-season to the professional environment than ever before, mirroring the culture, demands, and emphasis of the first team.
“We’ve worked really hard to align ourselves with the first team setup,” Wilson explains. “One of the big themes has been understanding ‘What does the team need from me right now?’ That’s the conversation we’ve been having. It’s not just about showing off what you can do, it’s about doing what’s needed, in the moment, for the good of the group.”
That clarity of purpose runs through everything Wilson and his coaching team do. Wins are great, and welcome, but the Academy’s true measure of success goes deeper.
“We don’t get any recognition for being the best U14s, U16s, or U18s team in the country,” he says. “That’s not what it’s about. The purpose of the Academy is to develop homegrown talent that can thrive for Worcestershire, and for England. That’s the benchmark.”
That said, victories, especially those against high-quality senior opposition, can still carry weight. Sunday’s fixture against Shropshire, in particular, stands out.
“Shropshire’s First XI will feature experienced cricketers, including former Worcestershire players like Tom Fell and Jacques Banton. If someone stands up and performs against that, it sends a really strong message.”
Worcestershire’s pathway has a strong recent track record of producing professionals. Names like Jack Home and Harry Darley have made the step up, while others, like Zain ul-Hassan, have gone on to forge careers elsewhere in county cricket. Wilson is quick to credit the collective pride that comes with those stories, for the coaches, for the families, and for the young players who’ve grown within the club.
“It’s why we do what we do,” he says warmly. “I always try to sneak away for a quiet cup of tea and watch a debutant for 20 minutes from the stands. There’s something really special about that moment, not just for the player, but for everyone who’s been part of their journey.”
Much of that journey is about understanding each player as an individual. In a modern coaching environment, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
“Some lads need a quiet chat by the boundary rope. Others might need something a bit more direct. But the key is knowing them, and finding the right way to land the messages that matter.”
So what does success look like in five years’ time?
“I’d love to see a high percentage of this group playing professional cricket, ideally for Worcestershire, of course, but anywhere in the game. That’s what keeps the whole system healthy. If we can continue that proud tradition, we’re doing our job.”
With a talented crop of players, strong fixtures ahead, and a club-wide ethos that continues to evolve, the 2025 Academy season is more than just a development phase. For many, it’s the beginning of something bigger, and Elliot Wilson will be watching closely, teacup in hand.
