Foundation Delivers Record-Breaking Weekend for Disability Cricket

Foundation Delivers Record-Breaking Weekend for Disability Cricket

Sussex Cricket Foundation (SCF) has delivered a landmark weekend for Disability Cricket, welcoming record participation and showcasing inclusive sport at its very best. The celebrations reinforced Sussex’s growing reputation as a national leader in accessibility, participation and performance across the game.

At the centre of the weekend was the hugely successful DIScoverABILITY Day, which attracted more than 750 registered participants from across Sussex and beyond. Over 45 schools, colleges and charitable organisations came together to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where people of all ages and abilities could engage with sport.

The event was made possible through collaboration with nine specialist sports partners, offering participants a wide range of adaptive activities. Partners included Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, JOLF, Brighton Table Tennis Club, Sight Support Worthing, Sussex VI Sharks, the UK Wheelchair Cricket Association, WBC Cares UK - Adaptive Boxing and Defiant Sports, alongside West Sussex-based organisations; ensuring there was something for everyone, regardless of ability or experience.

A key feature of the day was the contribution of people behind the scenes. 70 young leaders from Sussex state schools and played a vital role in delivering sessions, supported by over 50 volunteers from local businesses, community organisations and the wider Sussex Cricket network.

The impact of the day was reflected in the feedback from visiting schools. A teacher from Saxon Mount School said: “Can I say a big thank you from Saxon Mount School - we had over 55 pupils and staff who visited Discoverability last Friday - it is a highlight of our school year. It must take a huge amount of organisation but was smooth and easy getting into and out of the ground. This year, we got to meet Sandy and Sid - a bonus. Thank you to all the people who ran the sessions and coached - it was another good visit.”

The weekend also celebrated performance cricket, with The County Ground hosting a competitive Mixed Disability 1st XI fixture against Hampshire. The match was live streamed, allowing audiences further afield to experience the quality and spirit of Disability Cricket.

Players enjoyed a full elite matchday experience, including access to the first team changing rooms, support from Sussex Cricket’s performance analysis team led by Luke Dunning, the unveiling of new match shirts, and a special capping ceremony conducted by John Barclay, in honour of newly appointed Mixed Disability Pathway Club Captain, James Bunday. SCF also paid tribute to match officials, volunteers, ground staff and stewards, while thanking Hampshire for their sportsmanship and contribution to an excellent contest.

Reflecting on the weekend, Tom Belcher, Disability Cricket Manager at Sussex Cricket Foundation said; 

“The collective efforts of players, families, volunteers, coaches and staff has been incredible. This weekend truly highlights the shared commitment to driving Disability Cricket forward across the county and beyond.”

SCF now supports more than 1,000 children, young people and adults through a comprehensive programme that spans grassroots and elite pathways. Provision includes SEND school programmes, Super 1s hubs, Disability Champion Clubs, Mixed Disability Super 9s (Soft ball) & D40 (Hard ball) and Visually Impaired performance pathways.

The success of the weekend was further underpinned by the continued support of key partners, with special thanks paid to Webtrends Optimize for its ongoing sponsorship.

As Disability Cricket in Sussex continues to grow, the Foundation remains focused on breaking down barriers, creating high-quality opportunities and ensuring everyone has the chance to take part, compete and thrive in the game.

To find out more about the work of the Sussex Cricket Foundation please visit their website here. A video from this year’s DIScoverABILITY Day can be found below.