At 14 years old, Otis, a Year 10 student at Fairfield High School, has plenty to smile about after learning he’s been selected for not one, but two prestigious Gloucestershire County Cricket programmes.

Firstly, Otis received confirmation that he earned a place in the Gloucestershire County Under-15 Winter Squad. Just a day later came even bigger news — his selection for the Gloucestershire County Cricket Emerging Players Programme (EPP).

The EPP is reserved for only a small group of the county’s most promising young cricketers, with just three players chosen from Otis’ age group across Gloucestershire this year. Coaches have praised Otis for his commitment, talent and attitude, plus the real potential to progress into the Gloucestershire Academy. According to the official website, “The Gloucestershire Academy is one of 18 first-class cricket academies in the UK, consistently developing talented players who captivate and inspire Gloucestershire fans”.

The build up to this achievement has been equally as impressive – last season, Otis played youth cricket for Stapleton Under-15s and men’s cricket for Bristol West Indies 1st XI in the WEPL league, earning him the Stapleton Under-15s Players’ Player of the Year Award at the club’s end of season presentation.

Otis’ parents are understandably delighted with his success: “We are super proud that Otis is being recognised for his hard work, talent and perseverance. He’s shown such a great attitude throughout and hasn’t been afraid to make sacrifices along the way.”

Otis is also a scholar with the ACE Programme, which has supported his cricketing journey over the past few years, including regular training sessions at the Gloucestershire County Ground. The ACE Academy, established to champion and develop young players from African and Caribbean backgrounds who are under-represented in the sport, has provided an environment where Otis has been able to thrive.

Cricket hasn’t always been Otis’ main sport — he first picked up a bat and ball at around seven years old after initially playing rugby. With no cricketing background, he quickly became hooked, training every weekend and discovering a real passion for bowling. His dedication saw him rise through the Gloucestershire Zonal programme, where he spent two years developing his game before earning his county place.

Among Otis’ highlights has been representing Gloucestershire at the King’s College Festival in Taunton, a prestigious event featuring top young players from across the South West. His team finished second out of five, with Otis grinning and simply saying: “I loved it.”

Now, with county and EPP selection under his belt, Otis is looking ahead to the Bunbury Festival — the national showcase for the best 56 under-15 players in England — where he hopes to catch the eye of England Pathway selectors. “I feel it’s 100% realistic,” Otis says, “If you do well, your scores get recorded, you get a profile, and you could be recognised for England.”

Despite training around seven hours a week, Otis manages to keep a balance between cricket, school work and family life. “I feel like I juggle it quite well,” he comments, “My advice to anyone else is: go for it as you never know what will come out of it. With cricket, you win or lose, but as long as I’ve personally played my hardest, I feel fulfilled. It’s helped me be more resilient and focused and I’ve noticed it with my school work and exams.”

With a big smile and even bigger dreams, Otis is determined to keep working hard toward his ultimate goal: one day to represent England.