THE new season gets underway for Droitwich this Saturday and club officials are confident the future looks bright with greater emphasis being placed on given to youth.

Despite the firsts only surviving the drop on the final day of the 2014 campaign in Worcestershire League Division One, and both the seconds and thirds relegated from their respective leagues, Spa have high hopes for the new season and beyond.

For the first time, Droitwich will be fielding four Saturday sides in the Worcestershire County League.

The new fourth team has been introduced to enable more players from the club’s thriving junior ranks to get a taste of senior cricket, while youth players will further be developed in the one ‘academy’ side that will represent Spa on Sundays.

“Droitwich has always had a decent reputation for youth cricket over the years and our honours board is testament to that,” said club captain Martyn Davies.

“We have always been prepared to give young players a chance but also nurture their talents by selecting them in our thirds or former Sunday Seconds sides, and this season we will have increased opportunity to do that."

“Indeed one of the positives of last season was the contribution of the younger players who came up to the First team and showed their mettle in the relegation battle that we won through. Hopefully more will come to the fore this summer.”

Droitwich commence the new campaign with a friendly fixture against Solihull Municipal at St Peter’s Fields. League games begin on Saturday, April 25.

Any players interested in joining Droitwich can contact Davies on 07949 225665 or attend the club’s first outdoor training session on Tuesday, April 14.