SOMERSET County Cricket Club are pleased to announce that Archie Vaughan has signed his first professional contract.

The deal will begin on November 1 and will initially run across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the cricket club reports on its website.

The 18-year-old top order batter and off spinner began playing for Baslow Under nines at the age of six before moving to Alderley Edge. When he was 10, he joined the Cheshire County setup.

The right-hander, who plays his club cricket for Taunton St Andrews, has been a part of the Somerset Academy since 2020 and made his Second XI debut in 2022. This winter, Archie featured for Somerset in the Abu Dhabi T20 Counties Super Cup, opening the batting in the third-place play off against Yorkshire where he made 35 from 28 balls in Somerset's three-wicket victory.

After signing his first contract, the Millfield pupil said: "It's something that I've worked extremely hard for and its something that l've strived for since I was a kid, so to get the opportunity for a club where I've really enjoyed myself over the last few years is an honour.

"I will be looking to gain as much experience as I can and learn as much as I can from the more experienced players in the dressing room.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me to get to where I am today, including all the coaches who have enabled me to develop and grow as a person and a player.

Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry, is excited to be adding Archie to the professional squad. "Archie is a young man with a bright future ahead of him," he said. "Since joining the Academy he has demonstrated a genuine and strong desire to work incredibly hard and improve every facet of his game.

"This hard work alongside his impressive on-field performances have led to Second XI opportunities, in which he has flourished.

“We were impressed with the manner in which he transitioned seamlessly into the professional environment in Abu Dhabi on our pre-season camp and we are really looking forward to helping him develop and grow both his game and his understanding of the professional game."

SCCC head of talent pathway, Matt Drakeley, said: “I’m so pleased to see him sign his first contract.”

Millfield Director of Cricket, Mark Garaway added: "This exciting opportunity for Archie is richly deserved. His attitude, calm nature and technique will stand him in very good stead as he begins his career with Somerset CCC.

"Archie has played for the Millfield Meyer's XI for four years, developing rapidly, and he has led the side fantastically over the last two seasons."