Mick Newell has praised the impact of a foundation formed to fund the development of talented cricketers in Nottinghamshire.
Named in honour of a former Notts Chairman, the Alan Wheelhouse Foundation was formed when Alan's widow Jenny and his former partners at Freeth Cartwright Solicitors joined forces with Notts to fund the training and development of young players with the potential to play county cricket.
The foundation aims to ensure that no outstanding young cricketer is prevented from pursuing a cricketing career due to a lack of finance.
“Alan was very driven and supportive of professional cricket during his time as Chairman and it is fitting that a foundation formed in his honour should support the development of young players,” said Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell. “The funding gives us a chance to have an extended look at players and to provide quality coaching at a key stage in their development.
“Samit Patel and Bilal Shafayat both started their professional careers with summer contracts which were part-funded by the foundation and we’re hopeful that we will receive contributions for some of our academy graduates this year.”
Alan Wheelhouse made his single County Championship appearance for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in 1961 but he made his biggest mark off the field, serving as Chairman of the club from 1994 until his death in 1998.
A popular figure at Trent Bridge, Alan enjoyed a long career as a solicitor with Freeth Cartwright. He was born in Nottingham in 1934 and attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, gaining a place in the University side of 1958.
The Foundation has made contributions totalling more than £48,000 to grant recipients including Will Smith, Mark Footitt, Luke Fletcher and Ian Saxelby.
If you would like to make a donation to the Alan Wheelhouse Cricketing Foundation, please send your payment to: Ian Hepburn, Lodore, 6 Miller Hives Close, Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire NG12 3QY