KEY FEATURES
The University of Exeter Cricket performance programme supports student-athletes to continue their development towards the elite game, with bespoke high-performance facilities. These athletes will be given access to all Performance Programme Services along with:
- 3x training sessions per week
- Regular BUCS outdoor matches for both men's (National Premier) and women's (Premier South)
- Men's and Women's BUCS indoor cricket season
- Specialist coaching (individual and group)
- Up to 3 x S&C sessions/week including recovery
- Individual video analysis
- Mentoring for our aspiring student-coaches
HEAD OF CRICKET
Max Waller
Max started the Head of Cricket post at The University of Exeter in November 2024 for an interim period following his prior role as assistant coach. After a productive winter and 2025 season, Max has since made the role a permanent position. In addition to his role at the University, Max currently works as a spin and fielding consultant coach at Somerset CCC with both the Women’s and Academy players. He has also recently taken up a role as the London Spirit women’s assistant coach in the 2025 Hundred competition. Prior to starting his coaching journey, Max represented Somerset CCC over 200 times in a career spanning 15 years primarily as a leg-spin bowler and outstanding fielder in white-ball cricket. His passion for coaching and leadership was always there during his playing career, having captained Somerset CCC on two occasions and gaining his Level 3 coaching qualification. Max leads both the Men’s and Women’s High Performance cricket programmes ably supported by Calum Haggett (Somerset CCC Boys Academy and Pathway Coach) and Steph Hutchins (Head of Devon CCC Women and girls cricket). Max is also responsible for the 6 men’s and 3 women’s teams that make up The University of Exeter Cricket Club.
Email: m.waller@exeter.ac.uk
The University of Exeter Sports Scholarships Scheme offers a comprehensive support services package including a programme of support and financial benefits for exceptionally talented student athletes. Scholarships and Bursaries are awarded annually to those who show evidence of competing at international and national level.
- Up to £3,000 financial support for sporting expenses
- A support services package worth up to £3,500 (including S&C, performance analysis, physiotherapy and athlete lifestyle support) as part of the performance programme
- A Sports Scholarships mentor from the performance programme
Scholarship applications are open from 31st October – 31st May each year.
Cricket scholarship applications will be considered for prospective students competing at international pathway level (at an under 19's level or above) and bursaries for those selected for highest national representation or first class county cricket.
Our Sports Scholarship and Bursary Application Form for 2025 Entry can be found here. Contact: Sport Scholarships sportscholarships@exeter.ac.uk 01392 641313
Facilities
Sir Christopher Ondaatje Devon Cricket Centre Opened in 2009 and offers players from the University and wider community an opportunity to improve their game. The indoor facility accommodates the Devon Cricket Board (DCB) and is used by EUCC, the Exeter College Academy, the DCB indoor cricket league and many other local clubs. It has:
- Four full length indoor nets (38 metres)
- 800 square metre indoor playing area n Video analysis
- Bowling machines
- 1,750 lux lighting
- High performance flooring system
Topsham Sports Ground Located just outside the picturesque village of Topsham is the University's High Performance playing area. The fantastic facility has benefitted from heavy investment in the quality of the playing surfaces and a full time dedicated grounds man who has been in place since 2010. Topsham is the University's premier ground, playing host to the 1st teams and elite competitions and has:
- Two cricket squares
- Outdoor cricket nets
- Two high quality performance grass football pitches
- Rugby pitch
- Lacrosse pitch
- Clubhouse with kitchen facilities
STUDYING AT EXETER
The University of Exeter is renowned for its academic excellence, establishing itself in the top 1% of Universities worldwide (The Times World University Rankings) and placing 19th in The Complete University Guide UK rankings.
The University has four campuses, two in Cornwall with two in Exeter, closely located to the thriving commercial city centre and large St David’s train station. The University currently has around 23,000 students, of which almost 5,000 are international students. In total, the University hosts students from over 130 different countries making for a truly vibrant and inclusive academic community.
TOM ABELL
Tom Abell has captained Somerset Cricket Club since 2017. He made his Championship debut in the match against Warwickshire at Taunton in August 2014 scoring 95, just five runs short of becoming the first player to score a century on their debut since 1935. Tom also went onto win the Royal London One Day Cup with Somerset in 2019. Somerset County Cricket Club England Lions BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences with French (2012-2015)