Northamptonshire link sparks Bedford hopes of producing next Emilio Gay

School have formalised their partnership with the county

After many years of working closely with them, including producing nine players who went on to play for them, Bedford School have formalised their partnership with Northamptonshire.

"We've got their coaches coming in more so what we're trying to do is provide boys that come to school with us a seamless transition if they're on an Academy pathway," explained assistant head (co-curriculum and partnerships), Ayden Duffy. 

In recent times, Bedford have seen their methods work as Emilio Gay and Gus Miller progressed to the Northamptonshire first team from their cricket programme. 

He added: "We've always had a really good relationship with the club but it's just formalising that and expanding on it. As part of that, we've got the academy boys matches that we're hosting at the grounds and we've got their coaches coming in more."

Cricket plays a strong part in Bedford's overall sporting culture which has also produced four England rugby players - George Furbank, Fraser Dingwall, Andy Gomersall and Martin Bayfield - all of whom also played cricket during their time at the school. 

As Duffy put it: "Sport is Bedford and Bedford is sport."

He expanded: "The key thing for us is that we want all boys to have that rigour in their education and that holistic approach, as well as access to a sporting background."

The atmosphere and spirit amongst their teams is something which Bedford has tried to create across their four major sports: rugby, cricket, hockey and rowing. Duffy added: "That comes from the coaches and the teachers on a day-to-day basis. It's not about winning, it's about being a good human and I think that the coaches and the teaching staff at the school are absolutely fantastic in developing that culture."

The value placed on cricket, within the sporting structure, has been enhanced by the addition of two new full-time coaches, including former Northamptonshire cricketer Charlie Thurston as a full-time cricket professional and the recent appointment of Tom Brett (former English and Northamptonshire cricketer) as assistant director of cricket. 

This is set to increase access to one-to-one training for students on top of regular masterclasses from Northamptonshire coaches, with opportunities for boys to play up to six sessions per week all year round.

Under the stewardship of Gary Steer, the school's director of cricket, the most talented students receive a cricket education on how to turn their promise into more meaningful scores. The next batter that Steer believes has what it takes to take the next step is Mustafa Haroon if he can turn his ability into big centuries like soon-to-be Durham batter Gay did for the school before him.