PURLEY Cricket Club will be joined by Savion Lara, 19, cousin of West Indian legend Brian, through their scholarship scheme.
The club has always promoted young players coming up through the ranks but feel they should also look further afield.
Under the scheme, Savion will have the opportunity to live and work in the UK. The scholarship provides flights and a bursary, with the club providing accommodation.
Purley were contacted directly by the international agents due to a reputation for hospitality and player development.
This reputation has been hard-earned, and reflects well on the dedication of all the committee members.
The experience has proved to be fruitful for everyone involved, providing international connections and overseas tours.
Purley's Andy MacDonald said: "Having young talented cricketers around on colts' training evenings, as well as for our academy and senior players, can only be a positive influence, as far as I am concerned.
"It opens the door for potential overseas tours, and other reciprocal arrangements.
"We are also very grateful to two local companies, Macdonald Design and J W Cannon, who are sponsoring the player, so there will be no cost to the club.
"We at Purley are very excited about having Savion come over to us.
"We think in the future other clubs will follow this initiative, as it benefits all parties, provides other opportunities for sponsorship and promotional activities, and generally raises the profile of club cricket in Surrey."
Ian Butler played for Purley, the following winter making his Test debut for New Zealand, while Australian Tim Miles played County second matches for both Surrey and Kent.
