The former White Hills keeper-batsman was named in a squad of 16 to take part in the program.

"This year's Futures League Academy winter program provides an exciting opportunity for players of interest to continue on their respective cricket pathways,'' Futures League coach Andre Borovec said.

"We have a range of experience and skill sets in the squad; we look forward to this creating a rich dynamic in the program as a whole.

"Come the start of the season, some players could well be pushing for selection in the National 2nd XI competition; whereas others will be utilising the experience to prepare as well as possible for Victorian Premier Cricket and other National Pathway teams."

Stepien made 755 runs at an average of 54 for Carlton as the Blues won the Premier Cricket premiership.

He was just as impressive in the Super Slam T20 competition, making 217 runs at an average of 27.

The hard-hitting left-hander played for Victoria in the Futures League T20 carnival in Perth.

Moama's Todd Murphy, who played in a BDCA premiership with Sandhurst, was also named in the squad alongside a former Sandhurst junior in Damon Egan.

Meanwhile, eight Bendigo District Cricket Association players have been named in Cricket Victoria's High Performance Academy program.

The players will train in Melbourne with Victoria Country squads over winter as preparation for the national championships this summer.

The squads will assemble in late June and July and will train throughout winter to push for selection in the final teams with sessions including skills, trial games, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports performance and cricket education.

Strathdale's James Vlaeminck and Sandhurst's Nick Gladman are in the under-19 male squad.

Eaglehawk's Ben Williams and Strathfieldsaye duo Abe Sheahan and Darcy Hunter were named in the under-17 male squad, while Strathdale's Will Gilmore is in the under-15 male squad.

Rounding out the eight are White Hills' Letesha Bawden and Kangaroo Flat's Jasmine Nevins in the under-18 female squad.

The under-17 male national titles will be played in Mackay in Queensland from September 30-October 10.

The under-19 male national titles will be played in Perth from December 2-December 12, while the under-15 male carnival is in Ballarat from February 20-27.

The under-18 female national championships are scheduled for Hobart and Launceston from January 13-23, while the under-15 girls will play in Canberra from February 26-March 3.

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