Young cricketers from Europe and elsewhere will have an exciting new opportunity to develop their skills this winter with the launch of the Cape Town International Cricket Academy.

Aimed primarily at players aged between 18 and 25 and taking place between 1 February and 31 March 2011, the Academy is an initiative of former Western Province batsman Ryan Maron, who has extensive experience of coaching in South Africa, Denmark and the Netherlands, where he has played for Amsterdam clubs VRA and ACC over the past five seasons.

The other coaches will include former South African international allrounder Brian McMillan, veteran of 38 Tests and 78 ODIs between 1991 and 1998, and Andy Moles, who is one of the most experienced coaches in international cricket. Moles, a gritty opening batsman who made more than 15,000 runs at an average of 40 during an 11-year career at Warwickshire and Griqualand West, has since had spells as coach of Kenya, Scotland, Canada and New Zealand.

Fitness coaching will be in the hands of Joey Koffman, one of South Africa�s leading fitness and physique instructors and a former competitor in South African Champions competitions.

The Academy, which will be based in the Cape Town suburb of Newlands, close to the famous Test ground, will cost �4500 (�5250) for the two months, including the coaching and playing activities, bed and breakfast for the two-month period, training and playing clothing, and a range of other activities. It will be limited to a group of 15 participants.

�We�re aiming to provide a unique experience for talented young players from Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe,� Maron said this week. �Building on my eleven years running the Cricket School of Excellence here in Cape Town and what I know of the game in the leading European Associate countries, we will focus on physical and mental fitness, vision and nutrition as well on playing skills.

�I�m delighted that we�ve been able to gain the services of Brian McMillan and Andy Moles, who are both outstanding coaches. Along with the other coaching staff, they will ensure that those who take part will be able to go home as greatly improved players.�

It will not be all work for the participants, however, with opportunities to learn to surf and surf-ski, a visit to Robben Island and a tour of the nearby winegrowing districts included in the programme.

�Cape Town is one of the world�s most attractive cities,� Maron points out, �and it�s a great cricket centre. The Academy will give its participants the chance to develop their playing skills in first-class facilities, as well as to soak up everything the city has to offer apart from cricket.�

�The Academy is a fantastic opportunity for players in their off season to come to Cape Town for two months,� Andy Moles adds. � It provides a holistic programme that not only gives them a opportunity to improve their skills, but also to enhance their life skills.

�The programme will offer an in-depth analysis of the players, which will guarantee each individual returns at the end of the course with a head start and ready for the coming season in the Northern Hemisphere.�

The Academy will, of course, coincide with the World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and the coaching will include analysis of many of the matches in that tournament. There will also be an opportunity to take in first-class games in the South African domestic programme.

Those interested in applying for the Academy can find out more by visiting its website at www.capecricketacademy.com, where they can also request an application form.