INDIANAPOLIS: "The results of months of hard work in planning and preparations that began in October last year are finally beginning to come to fruition," writes United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) CEO Mr. Darren Beazley in E-Newsletter released today. The USACA Youth Development Plan has been released outlining the first steps in establishing a US Cricket Talented Player Pathway. The development programme for Under 15, Under 17’s and Under 19’s is about to commence in spring across the country.

This yearthe emphasis is on development over an extended period which will see our best players work with Regional Youth Coaches to develop their skills and knowledge over a 6 – 8 week period culminating in competitive matches amongst the best from around the country. USACA will utilize the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines (Iowa) in late July as part of USACA's" youth programme," said Mr. Darren Beazley.

He added "At the senior level, preparation for the 2014 US Cricket Championships Lead In Series is well advanced with Regions across the country preparing to compete in tournaments that will not only help them select their teams for Indianapolis, but also showcase their local talent thanks to the support of our partner ESPN who will feature the 2014 Lead In Series online at CricInfo from late May."

The Lead In Series also provides a terrific opportunity for the best umpires in the land to begin their preparations for the Nationals in August. Prior to the end of 2013, six USACA members entered the 2013 ICC Development Programme Awards for the Americas Region in a variety of categories from best cricket marketing campaign,

"This month I wanted to take out to congratulate the wonderful work of the East Bay Youth Cricket Association who won the Best Junior Participation Initiative in the America s Region for 2013. To Venki Subramanian, Samant Gopal and all the hard working volunteers, parents, players and coaches at EYCA, well done on winning this most prestigious award! You efforts are most appreciated and you do US cricket proud with your wonderful achievement." wrote the USACA CEO. "

"There is so much positive momentum in US cricket at the moment that we can start to forget the chilly weather outside and begin to dream of spring when US cricket will be in full swing again! I am delighted that many people are getting behind the various initiatives that USACA has delivered already this year. This positive support will go a long way toward making cricket a sport for all Americans! Best wishes, Darren Beazley Chief Executive Officer said.

Meanwhile, the USACA National Championships Committee chairman, Mr. Mas Bailey, has broadened the Committee in a bid to include more committed people related to the championships who will play a part in delivering what promises to be a high point of the 2014 US cricket calendar. The expanded National Championships Committee is;

Mas Bailey (Chairman) , Owen Grey , Keith Gill, David Ladd, Parag Pandya, Chubb Bedessee, Mir Ali, Hubert Smythe and Darren Beazley

The National Championships Committee has been working with the Regions on the Lead In Series which will commence on the Memorial Day long weekend and play a major part in Regional selection of coaches and players to represent their Region on the national stage in Indianapolis. A specific US National Championships website is being developed and will be launched soon which will have all of the information about this year’s Championships, travel packages to Indianapolis, ticket prices, players to watch and so much more.