Ardingly College aims to be "beacon of cricket" with state school programme

Outreach work gives opportunities to young cricketers in Sussex

Muhammad Ali's famous quote "service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth" is ultimately, above all else, about displaying compassion and assistance.

And that ethos comprises a key part of the cricket programme at Ardingly College.

Annually between September and June, children of all abilities from clubs and local state schools - Turners Hill, Warden Park Academy and Collyer's among them - within a 20-mile radius are welcomed for masterclass sessions by coaches, and first XI and county pathway players.

Described as "your club away from your club" by Charlie Forbes, who helps deliver Ardingly’s programme believes it is helping the college become a "beacon of cricket" in West Sussex.

"It started off as a recruitment drive to us," he told The Cricketer. "What it has done over the years is move away from that and we try to give as much opportunity to cricket as possible. 

"There is a real family feel and that is really why we do it.

"The best thing is when a kid comes up to you at the end and thanks you. That is what we want our cricket programme to emphasise, that element of fun, engagement, and participation. 

"We've had kids that have been with us since age six. They don't go to Ardingly, and that is absolutely fine, what we want is a strong rapport with their friends and family so that if we go to other schools, it is another face. 

"We share that journey with the kids and their families. That development of relationships over the years is quite touching really."

The outreach programme is part of the "cricket culture" Forbes has cultivated since joining in September 2023.

"When I came in a couple of years ago the culture of cricket was quite laisse faire: turn up and play," he added. "Culture for me is about really appreciative of everything that goes into providing cricket. 

"As players you have to buy in. It is a really long day if you don't. That buy-in is really important. 

"That includes being appreciative of the coaches' time into training, whether that be one-to-one or group sessions.

"What that leads to is a positive culture where kids are proud to play their cricket, and it attracts people and develops a children’s understanding of the wider picture. 

"It is about having that positive culture where kids want to have fun but want to get better and push themselves."

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