England cricketer Paul Collingwood has helped unveil a new Cricket Development Centre at Gateshead College, which aims to launch a new generation of professional players.

Working in partnership with Durham Cricket Board, the new academy will provide training, coaching and playing opportunities while gaining an education at the college. The Cricket Development Centre is sited at Gateshead College's Academy for Sport and is to provide 24 spaces on a two-year programme for young people aged between 16 and 18.

Durham's cricket community coach and Academy for Sport coaches will offer nine hours of training a week, which will encompass video analysis, nutrition and tactical training. Gateshead College sports academy manager Lewis Pendleton said: "[We] will ensure that all of our cricket students gain the knowledge, experience and skills needed to succeed in their future careers."