Some of the county’s most promising young players will test their skills in Sri Lanka as part of a tour with the Gloucestershire Cricket Board (GCB).

The GCB is taking both a boys’ under-18 and a girls’ under-17 squad out for a 12-day trip from 6th to 18th February.

During the tour – which is the second the board has run through its official travel partner Lion Sports Travel – both squads will both play in five matches spread across Colombo, Galle and Kandy.

GCB chief executive Steve Silk said: “The 2016 tour was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved – both on and off the pitch – and we are delighted to be able to provide the same opportunity for another 29 of our young cricketers.”

The boys’ squad will be led by Gloucestershire head of talent pathway Tim Hancock. It is made up of 15 players including Olly and Tom Price, Dominic Goodman and Joe Dryell who are all part of the Gloucestershire Academy.

The players are all aged between 16 and 18, and made up the core of the Gloucestershire Under-17 team that reached the ECB one-day semi-finals last summer.

Hancock said: “It is a time in their cricketing life when I think they will fully appreciate the challenges and experiences both on and off the field. They are a good set of lads and I think they will be pretty competitive out there.

“The main challenge is the climate. Going from a cold winter into hot and humid conditions is tough – particularly in the first few games. Hopefully they will respect the challenge and find ways to overcome it.

“We know from touring there last time that there are a lot of good cricketers out there and the games will be very competitive.”

GCB women and girls’ officer Lisa Pagett takes a 14-strong girls’ squad that ranges in age from 14 to 17.

The youngest member is leg-spinning all-rounder Bea Ellis from Charlton Kings who will turn 14 a month before going to Sri Lanka. The squad also includes Newent’s Chloe Skelton, who made her debut for Gloucestershire Women last year, and a number of her Gloucestershire Under-17 team-mates.

Pagett said: “The group we are taking feature a mixture of under-17 and under-15 girls who have all shown commitment to their cricket and an exemplary attitude in representing Gloucestershire.

“Having been on the last tour to Sri Lanka in 2016, I know the girls will benefit hugely from the experience. The chance to tour overseas presents a lot of new challenges which creates a great environment for player development.

“Things like learning how to manage nutrition and hydration, adapting to new conditions and working effectively as a team will all play a huge part in this trip and help them in their cricket going forward.”

As in 2016 the players will contribute to the cost of their trip through a fundraising campaign. The GCB is also currently looking for a tour sponsor to help cover the costs of things like clothing. If you are interested in finding out more or know a company who might be, email steve.silk@glosccc.co.uk

The two touring parties will be accompanied by an 18-strong supporters group made up of parents.

The squads will be assisted by coaches Luke Sellers and Leah Morrison.

Boys’ squad: Milo Ayres (Brislington), Matt Brewer (Bristol), Sujan Canagarajah (Bristol), Kiran Chakraborty (Corse and Staunton), Jack Clement (Hatherley and Reddings), Joe Dryell (Downend), Dominic Goodman (Chesham), Jonnie Gunn (Poulton), Harvey Jupp (Lechlade), Ben Parker (Winterbourne), Oliver Price (Great and Little Tew), Tom Price (Great and Little Tew), George Pritchard (Cheltenham), Harry Senior (Frocester), Ed Webb (Thornbury).

Girls’ squad: Millie Ashford (Corse and Staunton), Molly Bliss (Frenchay), Ella Budd (Backwell Flax Bourton), Helen Cutler (Claverham), Zoe Dibble (Apperley), Bea Ellis (Charlton Kings), Olivia Freer (Cheltenham), Ellen Harris (Frenchay), Maddie Hughes (Frenchay), Maisie Hunkin (Frenchay), Georgina Hunt (Frenchay), Emily Kibble (Parkend), Alice Mundy (Fairford), Chloe Skelton (Newent).