By Rob Cole

Cricket Wales has appointed Matt Thompson as their new Talent Programme Manager.
An ECB Level 3 Performance Coach, Thompson will start work on April 3.

He has a strong background in long term athlete development through previous leadership and performance coaching roles at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Millfield School and Loughborough Lightning.

On the playing front, he represented Cardiff MCCU, the Unicorns and is a former captain and current player with Devon Minor County.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Matt to the Cricket Wales team and are looking forward to him bringing fresh impetus and the latest thinking to the leadership of the Boys and Girls Pathway throughout Wales,” said Peter Hybart, Cricket Wales CEO.

“Our recruitment process involved interviewing some outstanding people from Australia, the UK and closer to home, and it was Matt’s strong, practical commitment to long term athlete development that particularly shone through.”

Thomspon will work closely with the Glamorgan Cricket Head of Talent Development and will oversee the Boys Wales Age-Group Coaches and Managers, and the Talent Centre staff and their link to the Junior Regions.

The new role will also oversee the part-time Talent Programme Manager for Women and Girls’ cricket Aimee Rees at a time of enormous potential for the women’s game in Wales.