England call-up for Lancashire's youngest cricket umpire (From Chorley Citizen)

England call-up for Lancashire's youngest cricket umpire

3:00pm Friday 1st February 2013 in East Lancashire By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

LANCASHIRE’S youngest cricket umpire has been invited to officiate a tournament in Dubai.

Eighteen-year-old Paddy Brown will visit the Arabian Gulf state in March after receiving an email from the England and Wales Cricket Board Association of Cricket Officials asking him to take part.

Among the teams invited are groups from the prestigious Eton College and London’s Dulwich College.

Paddy, who made Lancashire League history as the youngest umpire when he officiated a game between Enfield and Nelson in May last year, said he was thrilled to have been invited.

The sports journalism student, who is studying at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “I am really looking forward to getting out there, it is going to be one hell of an experience.

“I started umpiring when I was 12 and worked my way up to the Lancashire League.

“I always wanted to umpire professionally, but I knew I was never going to play first class, so why not umpire first class cricket?

“This is my dream now and with this tournament, I will be well on my way.”

Paddy, who lives in Sydney Avenue, Whalley, started his cricketing career at Whalley Cricket Club. And he said his parents were backing him all the way to the top.

He said: “My family was really chuffed when I got the email and have been really supoortive about the whole thing.”

Paddy will head out to Dubai on the self-funded trip on March 22 and will spend two weeks in the Persian gulf.

Several former Lancashire League professionals have gone on to umpire at the top level.

They include Paul Reiffel, an Australian who played at East Lancashire, Rod Tucker, another Australian who played for Accrington, and South African David Orchard, who was professional at Rawtenstall.

Anybody who would like to sponsor Paddy is advised to call Stephen Brown on 07896 867723.