A LADY cricketer from Sidmouth is one of the first in the country to benefit from a new coaching initiative based at Lord’s, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

Seventeen-year-old Jodie Dibble has been offered one of six part-time places on the MCC Women’s Young Cricketers’ programme, a joint collaboration with the ECB.

Fourteen players have been chosen for the 2012 intake, with selection criteria aligned to the existing England Women’s succession framework.

Jodie, whose brother is Somerset fast bowler Adam Dibble, is a member of the Sidmouth cricketing dynasty. Dad Mike and uncle Charlie, both play for the club, so does cousin Anthony, and Adam did before he joined Somerset.

Jodie is a lively seam bowler who captained England U17s in South Africa in 2010. She opens the bowling in the otherwise all-male 1st XI at Taunton School.

Heather Knight, from Plymstock, currently playing for Berkshire while studying in the Home Counties, is one of eight players already with international experience offered full-time contracts.

All 14 members will receive financial assistance to allow them to train and play as full-time cricketers throughout the season.

The MCC Women’s YCs will have access to world-class facilities and expert multi-disciplined coaching, to help them prepare for the challenges of playing international cricket.

The programme will be directed by England Women’s head coach, Mark Lane, with input from MCC head coach, and former international, Mark Alleyne, and former Australian women’s captain and England Women’s Academy head coach Lisa Keightley.

MCC Head of Cricket, John Stephenson, said: “Congratulations to Jodie for being selected as part of the 2012 MCC Women’s Young Cricketers’ programme.

“I hope that this opportunity will present her with the ideal structure to concentrate on her game in the best cricket environment in the world.

“I am absolutely delighted that MCC is now working alongside the ECB to expand the MCC Women’s YCs programme.

“The partnership demonstrates the club’s determination to foster new talent and maintain its reputation as a strong supporter of women’s cricket.

“It is fantastic to see how far the scheme has developed since it was first introduced nine years ago, and I am very excited to watch this latest progression unfold.”