Over 900 local school children watch cricketing giants at The 1st Central County Ground

On Friday 19th May the Sussex Cricket Foundation held their annual Schools Day on day two of Sussex vs Glamorgan in the LV= Insurance County Championship at The 1st Central County Ground.

950 local children from 21 schools came to watch some of the world’s best cricketers on display, including Steve Smith, Ollie Robinson, Cheteshwar Pujara and Marnus Labuschagne, free of charge.

As well as witnessing international superstars of the game, the children saw Sussex’s homegrown talent, James Coles make his maiden first-class century.

During the visit schools were also able to visit the Foundation FamZone, Sussex Cricket Museum and had the opportunity to play on the outfield during the interval.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director said: “It is extremely important to run days such as these, where we provide opportunities for schools all over the County to access live professional sport at no cost.

“We hope by children watching superstars such as Steve Smith & Ollie Robinson, that its inspired the future generation of players, spectators or supporters of the club, whilst creating life long memories in the process.”

Members of both Sussex and Glamorgan came together to praise the initiative. One Sussex Member said: “As a member at Sussex for many years, I was delighted to see all the school children at the ground, playing on the outfield and generally enjoying the experience of being at a county championship game.  Congratulations to Sussex CCC.”

David Coates, Year 5 Lead and PE Coordinator at East Preston Junior School, added: “It was a fantastic day and superbly organised - thank you so much for a wonderful day for our children.”

To find out more about the work the Sussex Cricket Foundation carries out in Sussex, visit https://sussexcricket.co.uk/community-cricket