LANCASHIRE Thunder have picked out an Ulverston teenager as a cricketing star of the future.

The women's team – who contested the inaugural Kia Super League this summer, with South Cumbrians Laura Marshall and Georgia Holmes as part of their squad – have named Megan Smith as a member of their development centre.

Smith, who plays junior cricket for both Ulverston and South Lakes Maidens, is the only Cumbrian among 15 girls named as part of the centre.

The Ulverston Victoria High School pupil will receive coaching from Thunder staff, as well as strength and conditioning programmes, education on injuries, nutrition, psychology and more over the next few months.

A statement from Thunder said: “Following the completion of the first season of the Kia Super League, Lancashire Thunder are already looking at the next generation of players.

“Lancashire Thunder have observed girls in the North West, including North Wales, between the age of 14 and 19 to be selected for development opportunities.

“A group of 15 girls from across Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and Staffordshire have been selected.”

Jen Barden, head coach of the Thunder Development Centre, who helped lead a coaching day at Lindal Moor in the summer, said: “This is a great opportunity for this group of girls, to develop and learn about themselves and their games.

“It’s an exciting time for women’s sport and in particular cricket with the more opportunities for players to become professional. We hope some of these girls are future players for Lancashire Thunder and in the Kia Super League.”