A COLWYN Bay school has been chosen as one of the bases for an exciting new national cricket initiative.

Rydal Penrhos’ facilities will be the northern venue for the Cricket Wales regional performance centre, which is an extensive pathway programme offered to talented individuals throughout the region over the winter and summer months.

This is the latest honour for the school in recent months, with the site also home to the North Wales Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation Hub and provides expert coaching and support to gifted cricketers within the state school system.

Allen Boyd, director of sport at Rydal Penrhos, said: “This is a fantastic honour for everyone here at Rydal Penrhos, and hopefully this initiative will inspire the next generation of young cricketers looking to progress through the regional and national ranks.

“Our facilities are truly exceptional and they play a huge part in the success of our sports scholars and pupils alike, and we are delighted that Cricket Wales have chosen our school as the only northern base for the scheme.”

Cricket Wales recently revealed that Colin Grindey will be their northern Regional Performance Manager at Rydal Penrhos’ pathway, which is set to commence in November.

He joins the national set-up after an extensive coaching background, having held numerous roles with the Cheshire Cricket Board, including Development and Coaching Officer for over ten years.

An ECB Level 3 Coach, Colin has been involved with Eryri Cricket in the north for the last few years in addition to coaching at National Development centre level.

His knowledge and experience will be of invaluable benefit to the youngsters in the region who will be based out of Rydal Penrhos School.

Mike Thompson, Cricket Wales Talent Programme Manager, said: “We are delighted to have acquired four outstanding coaches to lead the delivery and management of the four Regional Performance Centres.

“The direction and success of the new pathway relies greatly upon having great people in the right places and I am very confident we have done that with these four appointments.”