Dave Brooks, Sussex's outgoing chief executive, has been appointed to the board of Guernsey Cricket, which will strengthen links between the county and the Channel Island.
Sussex academy director, Keith Greenfield, has worked with Guernsey Cricket to develop local talent and the two organisations signed a 'document of understanding' in April, which Brooks signed off at Sussex. Part of the arrangement is a target of graduating at least one Guernsey player to Sussex's playing staff within the next ten years.
Guernsey, who play in ICC World Cricket League Division Five, are ranked just outside the world's top 30 and several young players from the island now take part in Sussex's age group programme. In 2013, the Guernsey age groups will start to join the Sussex Cricket Board area programme and by 2014 it is envisaged they will be full participants.
I am delighted to join the board of Guernsey Cricket," Brooks said. "The passion for the sport on the island is huge, and the progress made in the last five years significant and something to build on. The Sussex partnership remains key to that development and I hope I can use my experience to make the most of the opportunity that that brings.
Sussex Chairman, Jim May, added: We are very pleased about the progress of the partnership between Guernsey and Sussex. It is great news that Dave Brooks will continue to use his expertise to the benefit of both parties.
Guernsey recently appointed its first full-time cricket coach, with former Hampshire wicketkeeper Nic Pothas taking on the role of director of cricket.