Jack Blatherwick, Sol Budinger, Joey Evison and Lyndon James were amongst a record 52 young cricketers inducted into the professional game at the PCA’s tenth annual Rookie Camp this week.
The group attended workshops aimed at helping them to get to grips with the reality of life as a professional cricketer, including what the County Partnership Agreement will mean to them.
Benefits of the agreement, which was negotiated between the PCA, ECB and all 18 first-class counties over an 18-month period, include an increased salary collar for young players, a binding minimum wage for all full-time professionals, the introduction of staged contracts for 18-21 year olds and increased accountability to the PCA from all counties regarding youth contracts in particular.
Rookie Camp forms part of the PCA’s Personal Development and Welfare Programme, which aims to improve players’ performance on the pitch by minimising distractions off it, as well as helping them to better prepare for life after cricket.
“Rookie Camp is a really positive event and it takes me back to when I attended the first ever one back in 2011,” said England opener Rory Burns, who was a guest speaker at the event alongside the likes of Saqib Mahmood and Paul Farbrace.
“It’s been great to give the rookies some insight on my career so far and how I’ve got to where I am today.
"It's massively important for players to understand what the PCA has to offer, particularly for the younger lads and for the older ones as well."
*******
Nottinghamshire Membership for the 2020 season is on sale, with those who join for next season bestowed access to all scheduled Notts home matches, international tickets in Members' areas and a range of exclusive benefits.