Dubai: Young Talent Cricket Academy will set a new mark for the UAE on 2nd Aug 2017, when they will become the first academy to tour England for 17 consecutive years.

Shahzad Altaf, the former UAE all-rounder and head coach of the YTCA, told  “We have toured 17 times without a break, which is a special achievement.

“This year the touring team has been divided into under-13s, under-17s  teams and will reach Newcastle on Wednesday. Our matches have been fixed against county and club teams from Durham, Newcastle and Leeds and was have ensured that all matches are played on turf.”

The academy made it a memorable occasion for the touring players through a capping ceremony held in front of parents and officials at the Al Sadiq School inDubai.

When away, the academy will participate in a tournament to be organised by Durham County Cricket Club. Matches have also been lined up against Durham, Youkshire  and  others Club.

Speaking at the capping ceremony, Mahesh Fonseka Director of the Academy said: “This will be a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters to travel and have a unique experience of playing cricket in tough overseas conditions against some high quality oppositions. The tour will put the lads to the test of playing on natural turf wickets, something they are not accustomed to here.”

Elaborating on the tournament, Altaf added: “The under-13 and under-17 tournaments will feature four teams each and matches will be played on a round-robin basis, with the top two contesting the final. Immediately on landing we have also organised a few warm-up matches before the tournament.”

The sponsors of the tour are  Sama Sports.