Head of Talent Pathway, Daryn Smit, says Harry Moore’s first team debut is a proud moment for the Academy.
Moore, 16, became the youngest debutant in Derbyshire’s history when he took to the field for the Metro Bank One Day Cup fixture against Worcestershire Rapids at The Incora County Ground on Friday.
The Derbyshire-born seamer, who has featured for the Second XI this season and recently helped the Midlands side to the ECB Super Fours 50-over trophy, was one of three Pathway graduates in the XI for that game, along with Sam Conners and Tom Wood.
Smit, who has overseen the progression and integration of players such as Nick Potts, Mitch Wagstaff and Archie Harrison into the first team setup in recent seasons, says that Moore’s debut is a huge positive for the Pathway and an indication of the talent coming through.
“Coaching is not about personal gain, it’s always about the players and it’s always a special moment when one of your players makes their first team debut, especially at 16-years-old,” he said.
“That just sums up the talent of the young man, he’s a player who from the moment we met him a few years ago, it was always a case of when, not if, he would make his debut.
“It’s a proud day for Harry and his family, but also for us as a Pathway because that’s what our goal is, for local players to play for the first team.”
“We always promote to our players that if you’re playing well and performing and you’re good enough, then you’re old enough and Harry has impressed in the Second XI and in regional tournaments, so rightfully, Mickey [Arthur] has come knocking.
“Knowing Harry, not a lot fazes him, he’s very calm and I have no doubt he will go about his business very nicely at this level.”
You can purchase tickets for all of Derbyshire’s Metro Bank One Day Cup home games by clicking the links below.
