In 2020 the club launched the 'Thompson Scholarship' - this allowed one special individual within our youth section to work with Wayne Pascall of Big Dawg Cricket on a 1:1 basis.

It is fantastic to see the scholarship back again in 2021. Congratulations to Finlay MacNaughton who Wayne has selected as this years lucky candidate based on his assessment of potential, attitude, application and circumstances. Finlay will now start working 1:1 with Wayne and will receive a piece of Coe Capital Wealth Management branded club kit from an anonymous donor.

Finlay is said to be 'very excited to be awarded the Thompson Scholarship and is looking forward to working more closely with Wayne on all things related to cricket'. He currently plays for the U15s (he will be 14 in June) and his enthusiasm for cricket has grown since he started at the club at age 9. Finlay is a right arm leg spinner, enjoys batting and loves fielding. He's never happier than when he's down at the County Ground bowling in the nets, practising on the field or playing in a match! He doesn't know what he wants to do for a career but if it involves cricket, he'll be delighted!

A key pillar within our current club strategy is to invest in our wonderfully diverse and talented youth section. This exciting scholarship opportunity bolsters our existing offering. The club is proud of its investment in the youth section, which in turn is allowing the club to grow. This year we have five senior Saturday sides in part due to the number of talented youth cricketers breaking into the squads - long may it continue.

Thanks must go to Wayne for his input in setting up the scholarship and Kevin for his years of service to youth cricket (and cricket in general) in Swindon - a true club legend.