Introducing the new Sussex Cricket Foundation Chair and Trustees

The Sussex Cricket Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chair and three Trustees. 

• Ish Jalal replaces Jon Filby as Chair, Sussex Cricket Foundation. Ish was previously Vice-Chair and has also been Chair of Crawley Eagles CC.
• Phil Smith, Sarah Main and Anju Chauhan have been appointed as new Foundation Trustees.
• Trustee Katy Cooper replaces Nigel Russell as Secretary, though Nigel remains as a Trustee.

Chair and Trustees were appointed through an open application/interview process with recommendations being put to the Board who agreed to appointments.

Ish Jalal – Chair

“I am honoured to be appointed chair of Sussex Cricket foundation. I must firstly thank Jon Filby for his hard work and totally commitment to the Foundation over the past 3 years. We all wish him well for the future as he takes on the vital role Chair Sussex cricket.

“I would also like to welcome our three new Trustees, (Anju, Sarah and Phil) all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will add value and strength to the team. Having been a SCF Trustee for 6 years I have seen at first hand the positive impact cricket can make on people lives.

“I am confident and committed to collaborating with our teams to ensure we can improve and enhance MORE people’s lives through SCF programmes, projects, and initiatives into 2023 and beyond.”

Phil Smith - Trustee

Phil has worked for the British Paralympic Association (BPA) for the last 17 years, currently as the Head of Sport, where he most recently led the team to the Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing earlier this year as the Chef de Mission.

He has worked on seven Paralympic Games and had a senior role with Team England at the Commonwealth Games this summer in Birmingham where he worked with the England women’s cricket team. 

“I am absolutely delighted to become a trustee of the Sussex Cricket Foundation and am looking forward to contributing to the incredible work that is already being done. 

“Throughout my career I have seen the positive impact that sport can have across all areas of society and I’m excited that I can now combine my lifelong passion for cricket with my desire to help change lives through sport.” 

Sarah Main - Trustee

Sarah leads the Campaign for Science and Engineering, is an experienced Trustee and has helped national science organisations such as the British Science Association reach and engage new communities with their work. 

She has loved getting involved in cricket through her children over the last few years and is keen to support families who are new to cricket through the Foundation.

"I am excited to join the Sussex Cricket Foundation as a Trustee. Their work in enriching lives through cricket across Sussex is inspiring, and I am looking forward to helping them reach further with their great work."

Anju Chauhan - Trustee

After earning her degree in Early Years Education & Environmental Science, Anju entered the Primary School world to explore her passion for teaching, where she led the Early Years team.

“In addition to my primary role, I was recognised for my work in the voluntary sector for my contributions to the local community.

"Outside of my teaching I play cricket for the Women’s Soft Ball League in Brighton, probably watch too much cricket and enjoy long walks in and around the South Downs.

"I am excited by the opportunity to join Sussex Cricket and be at the heart of promoting cricket for social good." 

"In a gentle way, you can shake up the world...”

About the Sussex Cricket Foundation

As Sussex Cricket’s charitable arm, the Foundation’s aim is to actively change lives through cricket across the community.

The Foundation harnesses the game and the Sussex Cricket brand to deliver accessible and enjoyable opportunities that grow the sport, tackle inequalities, improve health and wellbeing and enable people to fulfil their potential.

Find out more here.

Where Cricket Meets…Sam Allardyce

Tickets for 'Where Cricket Meets…Sam Allardyce' on Friday 31st March 2023 in aid of the Sussex Cricket Foundation are now on sale.

Held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, the afternoon will include a Q&A discussion with former Bolton, West Ham and England manager, Sam Allardyce. ‘Big Sam’s’ playing career also spanned 21 years, playing for Bolton, Millwall and Preston North End.

For more details and information on how to purchase your tickets for this fantastic event, please click here.