MCC to appoint Young Photographer

An MCC Young Cricket Photographer is to be appointed for the third successive year and applications are now being invited for the 2005 scholarship, worth up to £7,000.

The successful candidate will be appointed in February and benefit from a unique combination of financial support, expert mentoring and professional exposure through MCC publications, the club's website and an end-of-season exhibition at Lord's.

The financial support available to the post-holder will consist of over £3,000 of fees, for covering a combination of matches at Lord's and MCC out-matches, over £1,000 of professional expense allowances and up to £3,000 for travel expenses.

Most significantly, MCC's appointee will benefit from invaluable professional guidance from Graham Morris - one of the country's top cricket photographers.

Commenting on the scholarship, MCC's Secretary & Chief Executive, Roger Knight, said: "MCC has long been committed to identifying and developing new cricket-related talent.

“On the pitch, the MCC Young Cricketers programme has been producing some terrific players - including Gloucestershire's Alex Gidman and New Zealand's Hamish Marshall.

“Off the pitch, our Young Cricket Photographer initiative has proved equally successful. I am delighted that this scholarship will be available again in 2005; we look forward to receiving applications from promising young photographers right across the country.

“With MCC's investment and Graham Morris's advice, the successful candidate will have every opportunity to turn sports photography from a pastime into a profession."

MCC's Young Cricket Photographer 2004, Anthony Devlin, commented: "I would urge any cricket-loving young photographer to apply for this scholarship.

“I loved every moment of my year with MCC. It gave me a great combination of expert guidance, firm financial backing and unique behind-the-scenes access to Lord's.

“My favourite moments included a trip to Gibraltar - where I photographed an MCC team training in front of The Rock, which provided a spectacular backdrop for my shots.

“I'm sure the next Young Cricket Photographer will find the scholarship every bit as invaluable - and enjoyable - as I did."

MCC envisages that its Young Cricket Photographer 2005 will be aged between 18 and 25. He or she should have a demonstrable interest in cricket, a talent for both action and atmospheric photography and a genuine interest in becoming a professional sports photographer.

By Friday February 11, applicants should submit examples of their work, together with a CV and covering letter, to: MCC Communications Department (IW), Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood, London NW8 8QN.

Interviews will take place on Friday February 25 and the successful applicant will be expected to take up his/her position on Friday April 8 when MCC will play the champion county Warwickshire at Lord's.