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Shane Warne delivers masterclass for Aldridge Cricket Academy students

6 Oct 2021

One of the greatest cricketers of all time, Shane Warne, was in Sussex on Tuesday to deliver a masterclass to 44 students from the Aldridge Cricket Academy at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Sussex Cricket’s state school partner.

The visit was part of the programme that sees aspiring young cricketers combine their academic studies at BACA with top-level cricket coaching at the first-class available on site at the Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre.

Shane Warne was accompanied by Jimmy Adams, ex-Hampshire opening batter, providing the students with a unique coaching team for the day.

After Warne’s visit, Bobby Dubey, a year 13 student, said: “This day will stay with me for life. We are so lucky that the facilities here are second to none, but to have been guided today by Shane Warne is such a privilege. It was an amazing opportunity to pick his brains about strategy and technique. I want to play professional cricket and BACA is unique in balancing cricket and academics brilliantly.  Today’s masterclass has not only improved my cricket skills but has inspired me to reach further to be the best I can.”

Group photo

Frankie Cripps, year 11, said: “Today was so different and special. He taught me about picking the ball that’s going to be bowled, and really simplified it. I want a career in professional cricket, and he’s really inspired me. Cricket is an amazing sport and teaches you not only the game, but how to be a better person and a gentleman. Opportunities like today, and the facilities here at BACA, are so motivating to anyone who wants a career in the sport.”

Maddy Storey, year 9, said: “I was really nervous, but after talking to Shane I felt much more relaxed. I’m a pace bowler, but he taught me lots about different bowling techniques. Which is especially amazing as he is one of the greatest of all time! He said I was a good batter too, which made me feel really proud of myself.”

After delivering his masterclass, Warne said: “I have had a wonderful welcome here today and have encountered young aspiring cricketers with real talent and drive. Cricket is a sport that is increasingly accessible to both boys and girls and the mix of tactics, discipline, solo performance, and team-working learnt through cricket are truly valuable skills.  I wish many more state schools had access to cricket facilities and coaches of the calibre I have witnessed here at BACA.”

Warne addresses students

Sir Rod Aldridge, the Founder and Chairman of Aldridge Foundation and Sussex Cricket President, said: ““We are incredibly fortunate to have Shane Warne at BACA today. He has delivered an awe-inspiring experience for our students. Shane clearly shares my belief that the physical, employability and life skills that are developed through cricket are invaluable in young people’s lives.

“Today, Shane not only shared his passion for cricket and his expertise but also answered all the students’ questions with patience and great humour making them feel at ease and fuelling their aspirations and will to succeed. I and the team at the Cricket Centre, BACA and Sussex Cricket are extremely grateful to Shane Warne, ably assisted by Jimmy Adams, for providing this uniquely valuable experience today - an experience that isn’t usually within the reach of the young people we support and educate.”

Warne and pupil

Sussex Cricket has been a proud partner of BACA for the past seven years, an extension announced last summer. The club provides performance coaches for the Aldridge Cricket Academy programme and helps maintain the facilities in terms of the cricket ground. Meanwhile, the Sir Rod Aldridge Cricket Centre provides a home ground for Sussex’s Women and Girls squads.

The Aldridge Foundation and Sussex Cricket also fund and deliver a local community cricket programme for young girls and local primary schools to support better physical and mental wellbeing across Brighton and Hove.

BACA's cricket prospectus and main prospectus can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. 

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