Sophia Smale Selected in Western Storm Women’s Academy

Newport Cricket Club was delighted to hear that sixteen year old Sophia Smale, one of the Club’s outstanding Girl players has been selected in an elite group of 14 players for the Western Storm Women’s Academy, for training/matches in 2021.

Sophia has been a member of Newport Cricket Club since the age of 7 and has made great progress with her Cricket, excelling at all Wales Girls age groups, often playing in teams four years above her own age group. Sophia who has played in the Newport Boys teams throughout her Cricket development is an outstanding prospect and is currently a member of the Club’s senior 2^nd X1.

 In 2019/20 Sophia was named in the England Women’s Academy Spin Bowling Group, which provides an individualised programme and offers support specific to player’s needs. The group caters for players who are seen as having the potential to be part of the England Women’s Academy in the future.

 Although there was limited Cricket in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, Sophia impressed during end of season trials to gain a place in the Western Storm Women’s Academy squad for the 2021 season. Sophia completed a number of skills challenges and had the opportunity to work with top coaches from the women’s game during the Western Storm Academy selection process. As part of the programme, Sophia will now attend a weekly academy session and a fortnightly squad session where she will receive a range of support sessions to further develop her technique and tactical awareness, plus a strength and conditioning programme. In addition, she will also have access to physiotherapy and medical support.

Newport Cricket Club’s Head Coach, Mike Knight commenting on Sophia’s selection said ‘Everyone at the Club is delighted with Sophia’s selection in the Western Storm Women’s Academy. Sophia is a very talented left arm spin bowler, who can also bat. She’s very athletic and highly competitive with a fantastic work ethic. We hope that Sophia’s Cricket will continue to develop so that one day she can achieve her ambition of playing for England’