BACA opens new outdoor cricket nets with Sussex stars

Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) has officially opened a new set of outdoor cricket nets, marking another significant step in the development of its growing Cricket Academy. The new facility was unveiled on Wednesday 30 September by BACA Director of Cricket and former England Women’s Head Coach Mark Robinson OBE, alongside Sussex County Cricket Club players Jack Carson and Tom Haines.

They were joined by players from across BACA’s Cricket Academy, school leaders and coaching staff for the official ribbon cutting, before four members of the academy’s U13 squad became the first students to use the new nets - with the memorable opportunity to bowl at the two Sussex professionals. The nets and new non-turf pitch - which have been generously funded by the Sussex Cricket Foundation (SCF), the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and installed by sports construction company Total Play Ltd. - are another statement of intent from the SCF in their mission to improve cricketing provision within state secondary schools across the county.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Director of the Sussex Cricket Foundation said: "I am delighted that we have been able to provide funding for these new facilities, which will not only help continue to drive the cricket programme at BACA but also provide a facility for other schools and recreational cricket clubs in the surrounding areas to access."

Despite the blustery Brighton weather, there was a real sense of excitement around the opening as students saw the new facility in action for the first time.

The new area will allow BACA’s cricketers to train outdoors for much more of the year, including throughout the winter when weather conditions allow - providing opportunities that would not be possible on a traditional grass wicket. The facility will also be made available for local community usage, where recreational cricket clubs in the surrounding areas have access to a high-quality practice facility. The investment forms part of BACA’s wider ambition to continue developing its specialist cricket provision and create even more opportunities for young players in Brighton and beyond.

Mark Robinson OBE, Director of Cricket at BACA, said: “These new nets are a fantastic addition to the academy and will make a real difference to the amount of high-quality cricket our students can play throughout the year. “It was brilliant to have Jack and Tom with us to officially open the facility and to see some of our younger players getting the chance to bowl at professional cricketers. Experiences like that can be hugely inspiring for young players. “This is another important step forward for the Cricket Academy, and we are excited about where we can take the programme next.”

BACA’s Principal Jack Davies said: “We're committed to our learners getting a brilliant experience at BACA - both on and off the pitch - and the new nets are another investment not only in the academy but in the life opportunities available to our students. We're excited to see our students in action!"

BACA’s Cricket Academy combines high-quality education with specialist cricket coaching and development, helping students pursue their ambitions both in the classroom and on the pitch. The academy hopes the opening of the outdoor nets will be the first of several further developments as its cricket programme continues to go from strength to strength.