Penrith Cricket Club launched its own elite training academy at its home base, Howell Oval, last Wednesday afternoon, which aims to identify and nurture outstanding cricketing talent in the Blue Mountains and Nepean regions.
The club's cricket manager, ex-first grade player Warren Buttigieg, said a significant number of players in the academy's first intake come from the Blue Mountains and participated in the inaugural training session.
"Hopefully the academy will identify the next Pat Cummins or Jordan Silk," Mr Buttigieg said.
"Blue Mountains kids should now know there is a clear pathway for them into grade cricket and hopefully, for some, even state, national and international level cricket.
Penrith joins only a handful of other Sydney grade clubs that run elite academies that offer specialised training programs to help young cricketers reach their full potential.
Owner and managing director of the academy's main sponsor, Harry Solomons from Kingsgrove Sports, attended the launch to present training shirts to U14s, U16s and U19s academy members.
The academy's opening pre-season training session will be on July 11 from 9am and anyone interested in trialling is welcome to attend.
For more information about Penrith Cricket Club's elite training academy, phone Mr Buttigieg on 0403 526 661.