CHAGFORD have hit upon a novel way of recruiting players for the season ahead — offering ambitious young players the chance to train at the Chris Read Coaching Academy.

Having won two promotions in three years to reach the B Division of the Francis Clark Devon League for the first time, Chagford are looking to recruit to fill their two Saturday sides.

Rather than spend hard-earned club cash on hiring a jobbing cricketer from overseas for the campaign ahead, Chagford intend to invest in their future. The club has numerous old hands with Premier Division experience, but captain Jeremy Christophers knows veterans Mark Gribble, Colin Mortimore and Derek Lammonby can't go on forever.

That is why Chagford are aiming to team up with Read, the former England wicketkeeper-batsman, whose career started in the Devon League with Paignton before taking him into the First Class game, firstly with Gloucestershire then Notts, where he is captain.

"The club are tearing up the rule book which states 'higher division means paying for an overseas player'," said former Devon spinner Christophers.

"Rather than gamble on a second-rate overseas player, who is simply going to disappear at the end of the season, we are looking to find a young player with talent and give them the best possible opportunity to succeed. We need some succession planning, with many of our side being 40-plus."

Chagford are looking for players in the 14-18 age range, who will commit to the club for the season ahead. They can be county, district or club standard players. In return they will be coached by the Read Academy at the Devon centre of excellence at the University of Exeter — and get to attend a weekend residential course at Trent Bridge.

Chagford president Mike Wreyford believes the project will give youngsters a fantastic grounding in the game.

"The best part of our proposal is they will be sponsored to attend the academy programme for a whole season," said Wreyford. "We are only too pleased to be able to link-up with Chris Read to deliver the best coaching money can buy."

Anyone interested should call Wreyford on 01837 52932.