Cricket star student heads to Australia

Rising cricket star - and Gower College Swansea student - Aneurin Donald is heading to Australia after being selected for the England Development Programme (EDP) tour.

It’s been an exceptionally busy time for A Level student Aneurin as he juggles his studies with membership of the Glamorgan County Cricket Club. He was initially awarded a development contract with Glamorgan in 2014 and, that summer, was selected for England Under-19s, making his first-class debut in the final match of the season where he made 59 against Hampshire in the second innings.

He has also played a key role for Mumbles, who won the South Wales Premier League, and was named Captain of a very successful England Under-17 side. 

Aneurin also captained Wales Minor Counties last season - at just 17, the youngest player ever to do so.

As a member of Gower College Swansea’s Cricket Academy, Aneurin has benefitted greatly from increased access to resources as well as logistical and financial support.

“The college has always been right behind Aneurin and supported him fully in his career aspirations, such as allowing him time away to train with the EDP,” says lecturer and Director of Cricket Mike O’Brien. “Both EDP and Glamorgan place a strong emphasis on thorough preparation for matches and Aneurin has been able to make full use of support available at the college. We wish him well for his tour of Australia and the upcoming new season with Glamorgan.”

“Being part of the Cricket Academy has definitely enabled me to combine my studies with my cricketing commitments,” says Aneurin. “Having space in my timetable to be able to train has been invaluable. The support of Gower College Swansea and the Academy has really allowed me to progress in my development."