Last year the Albury Wodonga Cricket Academy run by Max Shepherd, targeting those aged between 10 and 17, had more than 60 players involved in the 14-week program.

Thirty four of them have played representative cricket this past summer.

But now Shepherd will also act as head coach for a program being driven by Tallangatta’s Provincial winning captain Matt Armstrong.

It will be run out of an all weather training facility at Tallangatta from June 1.

“The Cricket Academy offers high-class coaching and personal development programs,” Shepherd said.

“We’re passionate about opening doors for young cricketers and developing cricket in regional areas.

“These kids want to improve their cricket and while the rep numbers were impressive, it’s not just about that.”

Shepherd said the expansion to Tallangatta targeted those kids travelling from the Kiewa Valley and Upper Murray.

“Traditionally we have kids travelling to Albury for the academy and we understand that involves additional time and cost for parents,” he said.

“This hopefully gives them an option.

“We believe the demand is already there.”

The Tallangatta sessions will be conducted at the Multi-Sport Complex and Ormidale Gymnasiun in Tallangatta from June 1, held each Monday from 5pm.

The contact is Matt Armstrong on (02) 6042 4000.

The Albury-Wodonga academy is based at the Major League Indoor Sports Centre at 119 North Street, Albury.

Contact Max Shepherd on 0488 322 093 for the winter program and a coming April school holiday session.