Leading figures from the cricket world recently headed to Spain’s La Manga Club for the official opening of the resort’s new European Cricket Performance Centre – the first of its kind in Europe.

National cricket board chiefs joined dignitaries and county cricket representatives at the sports and leisure destination resort in Murcia, south-east Spain, for the official inauguration.

The centre has been created in partnership with Cricket Ireland and Cricket Scotland as part of a new ten-year agreement to develop an exclusive warm-weather overseas training base in Europe.

The centre was designed to help prepare international cricket teams, assisting with the development of players and coaches. The first phase of the jointly-funded project was completed this spring, both Ireland and Scotland’s senior first-team squads have taken advantage of the chance to use the centre’s facilities ahead of the 2017 season.

Richard Holdsworth, performance director for Cricket Ireland, said: “Given the short season in both countries, Cricket Ireland and Cricket Scotland have prioritised the provision of warm-weather, high-quality outdoor practice and playing facilities for our international and domestic teams. This world-class new European Cricket Performance Centre will aid the development and preparation of our players ahead of international series and ICC world cup events.

“There will be no other facility in Europe which boasts such good all-year-round weather, has two grass pitches as well as 24 grass and artificial nets.  It will allow schools, clubs and international teams from all over Europe to train and play in great facilities only a couple of hours flight away. We are looking forward to a long partnership with La Manga Club who must be congratulated for developing such an outstanding facility.”