I know a lot of young players reading this have dreams of becoming a full-time cricketer. Perhaps you are one of them (or perhaps you are a hopeful coach or parent). If so, this post is for you.

My question is this: are you giving yourself the best chance of making it as a professional?

If you are living in the UK and are aged 10-20, you probably realise the English system doesn't always give players the best opportunity to develop their skills: Uncompetitive matches, inexperienced coaches who have never played the first-class game and no time to work on the technical development all professionals need.

That's why Gary set up his famously intense CCM Academy to give young players the edge over others in their age group.

It's become a huge success with nearly 40 graduates being awarded county honours at age group, Academy or full contract level. 

Now CCM Academy is taking enrolments for the 2009-10 intake.

The Academy has a strict entry policy and limited places, but Gary has kindly let me tell you about it because he knows the readers of miCricketCoach are among those most serious about improving their game.

*Update: Enrolments for 2009-10 are now closed. For current places please visit www.ccmacademy.co.uk*