The Andrew White NCU Cricket Academy for the 2016-17 winter period has been launched with a parents and players meeting.

The resounding success of the inaugural year has enabled Andrew to build a programme that will be equally challenging, innovative and educational as last year.

An indication of the success of last year's Academy is that seven players from the first intake have this year been selected for Ireland winter training squads.

The intake encompasses players (both male and female) in the 13-17 year age range and was selected by a core of the NCU and Cricket Ireland youth coaches. Some of the players are returning for a second year; however there are several new faces who will hopefully learn from the expertise and experience that Andrew offers, along with the numerous coaches that will assist throughout the winter.

The first session takes place at the start of December at the Ulster University, proud partners of the Academy, where the players will go through a fitness testing programme.

Andrew said, 'Although we are entering the heart of winter, the hard work for many of these young cricketers is only beginning and hopefully through a varied programme the players will recognise that they have a great opportunity to challenge themselves in different ways, both from a cricket aspect but also from a life skill perspective. I look forward, along with the other coaches, to assist them in their development.'

The Academy intake for 2016-17 is:

• Max Burton
• Jack Dixon
• Matthew Foster
• Matthew Humphries
• Amy Hunter
• James Lambert
• Bradley McNamara
• James Metcalfe
• Hugh Minford
• Ben Rose
• Ewan Scott
• Charlie Shannon
• Michael Waite
• Callum Walsh
• Harry Warke