BRIDGWATER College and Somerset County Cricket Club are to form an Educational Partnership to maximise participation in cricket and sport in the county and surrounding areas.

The partnership will give local people the chance to attend events and promotional days, and will also focus on education and learning courses.

The County Ground in Taunton will be used to host and run a preemployment programme for people wanting to gain sports-specific qualifications and skills with training provided by Bridgwater College.

The programme allows attendees to volunteer at events in various roles and gain additional qualifications.

There will be various other events throughout the year, such as a Schools Day and a ‘Kids go free’ day where current Bridgwater College students will take part, including Team BC Sports, the Performing Arts Academy and the Media Academy.

Jez Curwin, Head of Commercial Operations at SCCC, said: “We’re delighted to announce this partnership with Bridgwater College and are convinced that we’ll be a fantastic platform to support the college in their business targets moving forward.”

Matt Tudor, Head of Business Development at Bridgwater College, said: “The college is excited about this partnership and the educational benefits it will provide to local unemployed people through practical work experience, volunteering and learning in, and around, a professional sports environment.

“We’re looking forward to developing further education opportunities in partnership with Somerset County Cricket Club moving forward.”

The college’s Media Academy has previously worked with the County Ground, filming at many events and games for SCCC to present them on their website and at the end of season awards ball.