GENEROUS residents in the Blackdown Hills and Culm Valley have helped schoolboy cricketer Connor Trott raise money to travel to South Africa on a Devon cricket tour in the autumn.

Connor, aged 15, who lives in Dunkeswell and attends Uffculme School, has been passionate about the sport since he was six years old when a friend of his father Dan took him to his local cricket club.

He said: “I have never really looked back.

“My cricketing journey started off playing for Culmstock juniors and progressing through the various age groups from Dynamos to this year under-15s.

Fifteen-year-old wicket keeper Connor Trott, from Dunkeswell, is to tour South Africa with Devon under-15s.
Fifteen-year-old wicket keeper Connor Trott, from Dunkeswell, is to tour South Africa with Devon under-15s. ( )

“On field, my positions are batsman/wicket keeper.”

Connor, who has raised nearly £1,500 toward the trip’s £3,375 cost through a GoFundMe appeal, also plays for the seniors at Kilmington Cricket Club and last season made 11 first team appearances in the Devon Cricket A Division.

He said: “I have also had the opportunity to represent my county on many occasions since 2022, which I very much enjoy the challenges that are set and the progression this allows me to achieve.”

Connor secured a place in Devon’s under-15s squad for 2025 and was selected for a 14-player group to represent the county on the 17-day South African tour.

Uffculme School pupil Connor Trott is fund-raising for his place in a Devon Cricket under-15s tour to South Africa.
Uffculme School pupil Connor Trott is fund-raising for his place in a Devon Cricket under-15s tour to South Africa. ( )

The squad will play multiple matches against likeminded opposition and the youngsters will also have opportunities to explore the surroundings in Kruger National Park and Cape Town, and learn about South African culture.

Connor said: “The tour is an opportunity of a lifetime and something I am really excited about, but also honoured to be part of this prestigious event.”

He is also planning a number of fund-raising events to help meet the cost and last weekend took part in a litter pick around Dunkewell housing estates, collecting four bags of rubbish in just one morning in the Highfield area.